Assessing the Impact of Public Health Campaigns on Smoking Cessation Rates
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69980/ajpr.v28i5.521Abstract
Background: Public health campaigns are a cornerstone in addressing tobacco use, aiming to inform, motivate, and support individuals in quitting smoking. Despite their widespread implementation, challenges such as relapse rates and disparities in access to cessation resources persist. This study assesses the impact of public health campaigns on smoking cessation rates, focusing on campaign exposure, behavioral responses, and demographic variations.
Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 384 adults aged 18 and above, comprising current smokers and recent quitters. Participants were selected via stratified random sampling from urban and suburban settings. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, covering demographics, smoking history, campaign exposure, and cessation behavior. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests and logistic regression, were performed to evaluate associations between campaign exposure and quitting outcomes.
Results: The majority of participants (77.6%) reported being motivated to quit due to campaign exposure, with television/radio being the most common medium (55.2%). However, only 29.2% utilized support services, and 38.5% successfully quit smoking. Relapse rates among quitters were 24.5%. Younger, educated, and urban participants showed higher responsiveness to campaigns. Repeated exposure to messages significantly correlated with increased motivation to quit.
Conclusion: Public health campaigns effectively motivate smoking cessation but face limitations in sustaining long-term abstinence and connecting individuals with support services. To enhance impact, campaigns should integrate continuous messaging, tailored interventions for vulnerable groups, and stronger linkages to cessation resources. A multi-dimensional approach combining media efforts with policy and infrastructure support is essential for lasting public health gains.
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