GOVERNMENT TOBACCO CONTROL POLICIES HAVE INSTANT IMPACT ON MOTIVATING YOUNG PEOPLE TO STOP SMOKING

 

New Data From The World Congress Of Cardiology

BEIJING, 18 JUNE 2010.  Government-enacted tobacco control policies significantly increase the number of young people seeking advice to quit smoking according new data presented today at the World Congress of Cardiology (WCC) Scientific Sessions in Beijing, China. 

The introduction of smoke-free legislation in Hong Kong in 2007 stimulated a 27.7 per cent increase in the number of calls to a Youth Quitline and a 27.5 per cent increase in the number of people completing counseling.  Moreover, the tax rise in 2009 increased the number of telephone calls by 144 per cent and case counseling increased by 111 per cent in the short term. 

“These data demonstrate that government policy decisions do motivate the youth of Hong Kong to seek advice to quit smoking,” said Dr David Wong, Biostatistician, School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong.  “The Government and healthcare professionals should capitalize on this key insight to promote smoking cessation to young smokers.”

This study analyzed the number of calls received from young smokers (aged between 12 and 25 and who had smoked at least one cigarette in the past month) 12 weeks before and after the announcement of each tobacco control policy announced by the Hong Kong government. (September 2006 to March 2007 and January 2009 to June 2009).

Smoking is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease and smoking cessation at an early age would largely reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke.  It is, however, difficult for young smokers to quit by themselves.  Despite the fact that psycho-behavioral counseling can increase the chances of successfully quitting less that 3 per cent of ‘youths’ have indicated that they would use such a service.

About the World Congress of Cardiology
The World Congress of Cardiology Scientific Sessions is the official congress of the World Heart Federation and is held every two years. Through the Congress the World Heart Federation offers an international stage for the latest developments in science and public outreach in the field of cardiovascular health. The World Congress of Cardiology places emphasis on the complementary nature of science and public outreach and strives to spread the message that through individual, community and patient-care interventions, the growing epidemic of cardiovascular diseases can be prevented.  www.worldcardiocongress.org

About the World Heart Federation
The World Heart Federation is dedicated to leading the global fight against heart disease and stroke with a focus on low- and middle-income countries via a united community of more than 200 member organizations. With its members, the World Heart Federation works to build global commitment to addressing cardiovascular health at the policy level, generates and exchanges ideas, shares best practice, advances scientific knowledge and promotes knowledge transfer to tackle cardiovascular disease – the world’s number one killer. It is a growing membership organization that brings together the strength of medical societies and heart foundations from more than 100 countries. Through our collective efforts we can help people all over the world to lead longer and better heart-healthy lives. For more information, please visit www.worldheart.org

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