Effect of magnification and changes in tobacco pictorial warning on asceticism of tobacco use: An exploratory survey

BACKGROUND: Tobacco usage-related diseases pose serious threat for not only public health but also for country's economy and warning labels are considered as an effective strategy to spread more awareness on tobacco hazards. AIM: The aim of this hospital-based questionnaire survey was to assess the effect of magnified pictorial warning over tobacco products on asceticism of tobacco use and to measure the association of selected tobacco habits variables and asceticism of tobacco use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Present exploratory survey based on triangulation method of data collection was conducted among conveniently selected 1,008 tobacco users or smokers attending OPD services at tertiary care center during the year 2018–2019. Quantitative survey data was collected through structured questionnaire and two FGDs were conducted for qualitative information. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: Magnification of health warnings over tobacco packets had impact on tobacco or cigarette consumption to some extent (415; 41.25%); but insisted only one third (383; 38.0%) participants to quit tobacco use. A significant association was observed between awareness about bad effect of tobacco use and attempt of quit tobacco uses (OR 0.29; CI 95%, 0.223–0.390; P = 0.001). Furthermore, significant effect of magnified warning over tobacco products was seen on reduction in tobacco use (OR 0.39; CI 95%, 0.300–0.531; P = 0.001) and quitting the tobacco (OR 0.38; CI 95%, 0.28620.513; P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Study results concluded that magnification of pictorial warning is associated with the asceticism of tobacco use to some extent but alone it is not sufficient. Therefore, adjunct intervention of mass public education about bad effect of tobacco use is more essential to augment asceticism of tobacco use.