Cigarette Pack Graphic Warning Labels affect US Smokers’ Perceptions but have no behavioral effects in the short term.
Strong DR, Pierce JP, Pulvers K, et al. Effect of Graphic Warning Labels on Cigarette Packs on US Smokers’ Cognitions and Smoking Behavior After 3 Months: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 4 Aug 2021;4(8):e2121387
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2782665
“357 articipants were randomized to purchase and receive cigarettes in 1 of 3 pack designs: GWL (Graphic Warning Label), blank, or standard US pack (text warning).
Over the 3 months, participants who received the GWL packs had reduced positive perceptions of recent cigarettes smoked compared with participants who received the branded US pack (mean difference, −0.46 SD; 95% CI, −0.73 SD to −0.20 SD; P < .001). Health concerns increased in all groups, with a significant increase in the GWL group vs the US pack group (mean difference, 0.35 SD; 95% CI, 0.09 SD to 0.62 SD; P = .002). Quitting cognitions increased in all study groups. GWL participants had slightly more cigarette abstinence periods per week than the US pack group, but the difference was not significant (adjusted odds ratio, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.99 to 1.13). At 3 months, there was no between-group difference in any smoking behavior.”
Comment: Reduced positive perceptions of recent cigarettes smoked in the short term may lead to later cessation and a three-month follow-up does not show this possible result. Authors correctly point out that “additional complementary tobacco control strategies may be necessary for GWL packs to be associated with reduced smoking behavior.”
Stephen Hamann
