Iranian Audience Poll on Smoking Scenes in Persian Movies in 2011

BACKGROUND: Scenes depicting smoking are among the causes of smoking initiation in youth. The present study was the first in Iran to collect some primary information regarding the presence of smoking scenes in movies and propagation of tobacco use. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted by polling audience about smoking scenes in Persian movies on theaters in 2011. Data were collected using a questionnaire. A total of 2000 subjects were selected for questioning. The questioning for all movies was carried out 2 weeks after the movie premiered at 4 different times including twice during the week and twice at weekends. RESULTS: A total of 39 movies were selected for further assessment. In general, 2,129 viewers participated in the study. General opinion of 676 subjects (31.8%) was that these movies can lead to initiation or continuation of smoking in viewers. Women significantly thought that these movies can lead to initiation of smoking (37.4% vs. 29%). This belief was stronger among non-smokers as well (33.7% vs. 26%). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the prohibition of cigarette advertisements in the mass media and movies, we still witness scenes depicting smoking by the good or bad characters of the movies so more observation in this field is needed.