‘If I hadn’t seen this picture, I'd be smoking’—perceptions about innovations in health warnings for cigarette packages in Brazil: a focus group study

2021 ◽  
pp. tobaccocontrol-2020-056360
Author(s):  
Cristina de Abreu Perez ◽  
Luiz Antonio Bastos Camacho ◽  
Felipe Lacerda Mendes ◽  
Andre Luiz Oliveira da Silva ◽  
Valeska Carvalho Figueiredo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Health Warnings ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Tobacco Products ◽  
Warning Messages ◽  
Cigarette Packs

ObjectiveTo investigate the perceptions of young people and adults, smokers and non-smokers about the current set of innovations introduced in 2018 into the Brazilian tobacco products’ health warnings.MethodsTwenty focus groups were conducted in five state capitals in Brazil. The participants (n=163) were segmented by smoking status, age (15–17 years, 18–55 years) and social grade (C, D–E classes) to examine cigarette packaging and explore the participants’ perceptions of health warnings.ResultsHealth warnings capture attention, eliciting apprehension, fear, disgust and concern about the negative consequences of cigarette consumption. The 2018 Brazil health warnings are spontaneously recalled by participants, even without the presence of cigarette packages. However, the analysis also reveals the challenges of overcoming communication barriers and distorted interpretations, especially among smokers. The inclusion of direct and provocative stimuli, such as the use of the word ‘you’, attracts attention and creates more proximity to the recipient of the message. The results also highlight the interest and fear elicited by warnings on toxic constituents and the importance of using contrasting colours in warnings, which differentiate them from the colours of cigarette packs.ConclusionIntroducing innovative components in health warnings can catch consumers’ attention but considering that the interviewees encountered difficulties interpreting textual warnings about toxic constituents in cigarettes, the study reinforces the importance of adopting direct language and pictures, instead of text, which can visually transmit the warning messages and the use of specific wording that generates proximity between the emitter and receiver.

scholarly journals Adult smokers’ perceptions of cigarette pack inserts promoting cessation: a focus group study

2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 72-77 ◽  
Author(s):  
Crawford Moodie
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Educational Material ◽  
Promotional Material ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Stop Smoking ◽  
Cigarette Pack ◽  
The Government ◽  
Cigarette Packs ◽  
Do So

IntroductionTobacco companies have a long tradition of including promotional material within cigarette packs, such as cigarette cards and coupons. Only in Canada are they required, by the government, to include educational material within cigarette packs, in the form of inserts highlighting the benefits of quitting or providing tips on how to do so.MethodsTwenty focus groups were conducted in Glasgow and Edinburgh in 2015, with smokers (n=120) segmented by age (16–17, 18–24, 25–35, 36–50, >50), gender and social grade, to explore perceptions of the inserts used in Canada.ResultsThe consensus was that these inserts would capture attention and be read due to their novelty and visibility before reaching the cigarettes, and as they can be removed from the pack. While they may be ignored or discarded, and rotation was considered necessary, they were generally thought to prolong the health message. The positive style of messaging was described as refreshing, educational, encouraging, reassuring and inspirational and thought to increase message engagement. It was regarded as more sympathetic than command-style messaging, offering smokers ‘a bit of hope’. The inserts were often considered preferable to the on-pack warnings, although it was felt that both were needed. Some participants suggested that inserts could encourage them to stop smoking, and they were generally viewed as having the potential to alter the behaviour of others, particularly younger people, would-be smokers and those wanting to quit.ConclusionsInserts are an inexpensive means of communication and offer regulators a simple way of supplementing on-pack warnings.

scholarly journals Smokers’ Perceptions of Cigarette Packaging With Audio Warning Messages: A Focus Group Study in Scotland

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 984-989
Author(s):  
Danielle Mitchell ◽  
Crawford Moodie ◽  
Linda Bauld
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Recent Trend ◽  
Smoking Behavior ◽  
Health Messages ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Packaging Design ◽  
Audio Technology ◽  
Warning Messages ◽  
Ageing Skin ◽  
Cigarette Packs

Abstract Aims The use of audio pack cues or messages is a recent trend in packaging design. There is scope to use audio technology to communicate health and cessation messages via cigarette packaging. We explored how smokers responded to cigarette packs which played audio health messages. Methods Twenty focus groups were conducted in Scotland in 2015 with smokers (n = 120) segmented by age (16–17, 18–24, 25–35, 36–50, >50), gender and social grade. Perceptions of cigarette packs which played audio warnings were explored, with four messages used: (1) a cessation message with a quitline number, (2) mortality message, (3) fertility message, and (4) message about ageing skin. Results Audio warnings were thought to increase message impact, particularly among younger smokers, as they would be hard to ignore or avoid, and repetition may lead to the messages being memorized. The warnings were considered annoying or embarrassing, and participants suggested they may discard the packs and use alternative storage. Some participants suggested that the audio warnings were off-putting and may alter their smoking behavior, with the mortality message deemed most effective and was considered relatable and felt personal. Older smokers were least likely to believe that audio warnings would affect their smoking behavior, although some thought that they may enhance cessation attempts among smokers seeking to quit, and could deter new or potential smokers, for example, young people. Conclusions Cigarette packs with audio messaging may have a role to play, now or in the future, as a novel way of communicating health and cessation information. Implications There is a lack of research exploring smokers’ perceptions of cigarette packs which play audio health messages. This focus group study provides an understanding of smokers’ immediate responses to cigarette packs which played a short health message when opened. Smokers generally viewed them as annoying or embarrassing, and some suggested the use of alternative storage. Audio warnings were thought to increase message salience, memorability, and impact, for younger smokers in particular, and some suggested that they be off-putting for themselves or others.

scholarly journals The Voices of Silence in Online Charitable Fundraising: A Focus Group Study in China

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xun Lin ◽  
Hua Huang
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Moral Discourse ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Private Space ◽  
Social Media Site

Charitable fundraising, which often goes viral, has been flourishing on Wechat, the most popular social media site in China. It has given rise to a variety of forms of resistance. Silence among them is particularly evident. This study was conducted on three focus groups to unveil the hidden voices in the silent college students in an online charitable fundraising. Findings show that these voices demonstrate participants’ reclaiming of authorship of private space on Moments, their endeavour to avoid creating stress in vulnerable others, and their questioning of the configuration of responsibility. These voices show negotiation with or resistance against the pervasive guanxi (a synonym for English "relationship") - oriented moral discourse and indicate the emergence of some new or distinct “ethical minds.” We believe these findings suggest that pertinent stakeholders should critically examine the potential negative consequences brought to individuals by online charity, such as intruding into their private online space and exerting coercive pressure on their decision-making.

scholarly journals Extending health messaging to the consumption experience: a focus group study exploring smokers’ perceptions of health warnings on cigarettes

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 328-334 ◽  
Author(s):  
Crawford Moodie ◽  
Rachel O’Donnell ◽  
Joy Fleming ◽  
Richard Purves ◽  
Jennifer McKell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Health Warnings ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Consumption Experience ◽  
Health Messaging

scholarly journals E-cigarettes from the perspective of teenagers – results of focus studies

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
K Pluta ◽  
Ł Balwicki
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Electronic Cigarettes ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Risky Behaviors ◽  
Tobacco Prevention ◽  
Tobacco Products ◽  
Traditional Tobacco ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Natural Way

Abstract Research shows that over 80% of smokers start their habit under the age of 18. A few years ago young people undertook risky behaviors related to nicotine initiation mainly by smoking cigarettes. Today, next to traditional tobacco products, electronic cigarettes are becoming more and more popular. Due to the prevalence of new forms of nicotine addiction, modification of anti-tobacco prevention programs is required. The purpose of the research was exploration - learning the opinions and attitudes of young people towards e-cigarettes. The qualitative study was conducted using the FGI method (focus group interview). The meetings were modereted by specially trained psychologists. 48 students participated in the meetings of six focus groups, divided by gender and smoking status (smokers/non-smokers). The participants are young people aged 15-19, attending high schools in Warsaw, Kielce and Lublin. In conversations, young people emphasized the impact of e-cigarettes in smoking initiation - it usually occurs at the age of 12-14. E-cigarettes are perceived as cigarettes “for younger”, non-addictive, less serious, providing more entertainment. 'Cloud chasing' is particularly popular. They perform social functions - they are helpful in establishing relationships. Teenagers do not see the harmfulness of e-cigarettes. Participants mentioned their advantages over traditional tobacco products - they can be smoked everywhere and do not leave an unpleasant smell. Some of the respondents admit to the simultaneous use of electronic and traditional cigarettes. Moreover, many parents allow children to smoke electronic cigarettes. Vaping have become a natural way to relaxation and socialization for adolescents. E-cigarettes do not have such a negative connotation as traditional tobacco products. Young people do not see them as harmful, which is a challenge for effective preventive measures. Key messages Adolescents do not see e-cigarettes as harmful, which is a challenge for effective preventive measures. Vaping have become more and more popular - it's natural way to relaxation and socialization for young people.

scholarly journals Developing a recovery-focused therapy for older people with bipolar disorder: a qualitative focus group study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. e049829
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Tyler ◽  
Fiona Lobban ◽  
Rita Long ◽  
Steven H Jones
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Bipolar Disorder ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Older People ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Age Related Changes

ObjectivesAs awareness of bipolar disorder (BD) increases and the world experiences a rapid ageing of the population, the number of people living with BD in later life is expected to rise substantially. There is no current evidence base for the effectiveness of psychological interventions for older adults with BD. This focus group study explored a number of topics to inform the development and delivery of a recovery-focused therapy (RfT) for older adults with BD.DesignA qualitative focus group study.SettingThree focus groups were conducted at a university in the North West of England.ParticipantsEight people took part in the focus groups; six older adults with BD, one carer and one friend.ResultsParticipant’s responses clustered into six themes: (1) health-related and age-related changes in later life, (2) the experience of BD in later life, (3) managing and coping with BD in later life, (4) recovery in later life, (5) seeking helping in the future and (6) adapting RfT for older people.ConclusionsParticipants reported a range of health-related and age-related changes and strategies to manage their BD. Participants held mixed views about using the term ‘recovery’ in later life. Participants were in agreement that certain adaptations were needed for delivering RfT for older adults, based on their experience of living with BD in later life. The data collected as part of the focus groups have led to a number of recommendations for delivering RfT for older adults with BD in a randomised controlled trial (Clinical Trial Registration: ISRCTN13875321).

Hospital Staff Perceptions of a Legislative Mandate for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Screening

2011 ◽  
Vol 32 (6) ◽  
pp. 573-578 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew E. Wise ◽  
Stephen G. Weber ◽  
Amy Schneider ◽  
Meg Stojcevski ◽  
Anne Marie France ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Hospital Staff ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Staff Perceptions ◽  
Methicillin Resistant ◽  
Chicago Area ◽  
Use Of Resources ◽  
Implementation Plans

Objective.In August 2007, Illinois passed legislation mandating methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) admission screening for intensive care unit patients. We assessed hospital staff perceptions of the implementation of this law.Design.Mixed-methods evaluation using structured focus groups and questionnaires.Setting.Eight Chicago-area hospitals.Participants.Three strata of staff (leadership, midlevel, and frontline) at each hospital.Methods.All participants completed a questionnaire and participated in a focus group. Focus group transcripts were thematically coded and analyzed. The proportion of staff agreeing with statements about MRSA and the legislation was compared across staff types.Results.Overall, 126 hospital staff participated in 23 focus groups. Fifty-six percent of participants agreed that the legislation had a positive effect at their facility; frontline staff were more likely to agree than midlevel and leadership staff (P < .01). Perceived benefits of the legislation included increased awareness of MRSA among staff and better knowledge of the epidemiology of MRSA colonization. Perceived negative consequences included the psychosocial effect of screening and contact precautions on patients and increased use of resources. Most participants (59%) would choose to continue the activities associated with the legislation but advised facilities in states considering similar legislation to educate staff and patients about MRSA screening and to draft clear implementation plans.Conclusion.Staff from Chicago-area hospitals perceived that mandatory MRSA screening legislation resulted in some benefits but highlighted implementation challenges. States considering similar initiatives might minimize these challenges by optimizing messaging to patients and healthcare staff, drafting implementation plans, and developing program evaluation strategies.

scholarly journals Emotional Impact and Perceived Effectiveness of Text-Only versus Graphic Health Warning Tobacco Labels on Adolescents

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pedro Margalhos ◽  
Francisco Esteves ◽  
Jaime Vila ◽  
Patrícia Arriaga
Keyword(s):  
Smoking Status ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Emotional Impact ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Perceived Effectiveness ◽  
Warning Labels ◽  
Health Warnings ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Graphic Warning ◽  
Valence And Arousal

AbstractThe study of smoking in adolescence is of major importance as nicotine dependence often begins in younger groups. Tobacco health warnings have been introduced to inform people of the negative consequences of smoking. This study assessed the emotions and perceived effectiveness of two formats of tobacco warnings on adolescents: Text-only versus graphic warning labels. In addition, we analyzed how emotions predicted their perceived effectiveness. In a cross-sectional study, 413 adolescents (131 smokers, 282 non-smokers) between 13–20 years of age rated their emotions (valence and arousal) and perceived effectiveness towards a set of tobacco warnings. Results showed that graphic warnings evoked higher arousal than text-only warning labels (p = .038). Most of the warning labels also evoked unpleasantness with smokers reporting higher unpleasantness regarding text-only warnings compared to non-smokers (p = .002). In contrast, perceived effectiveness of the warnings was lower in smokers than in non-smokers (p = .029). Finally, high arousal and being a non-smoker explained 14% of the variance of perceiving the warnings more effective. Given the role that warnings may play in increasing health awareness, these findings highlight how smoking status and emotions are important predictors of the way adolescents consider tobacco health labels to be effective.

scholarly journals Aesthetically Designing Video-Call Technology With Care Home Residents: A Focus Group Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonam Zamir ◽  
Felicity Allman ◽  
Catherine Hagan Hennessy ◽  
Adrian Haffner Taylor ◽  
Ray Brian Jones
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Older People ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Care Home ◽  
Framework Analysis ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Technological Intervention

BackgroundVideo-calls have proven to be useful for older care home residents in improving socialization and reducing loneliness. Nonetheless, to facilitate the acceptability and usability of a new technological intervention, especially among people with dementia, there is a need for user-led design improvements. The current study conducted focus groups with an embedded activity with older people to allow for a person-centered design of a video-call intervention.MethodsTwenty-eight residents across four care homes in the South West of England participated in focus groups to aesthetically personalize and ‘dress-up’ the equipment used in a video-call intervention. Each care home was provided with a ‘Skype on Wheels’ (SoW) device, a wheelable ‘chassis’ comprising an iPad or tablet for access to Skype, and a telephone handset. During the focus group, residents were encouraged to participate in an activity using colorful materials to ‘dress-up’ SoW. Comments before, during and after the ‘dress up’ activity were audio recorded. Framework analysis was used to analyze the focus group data.ResultsOlder people, including seven with dementia were able to interact with and implement design changes to SoW through aesthetic personalization. Themes arising from the data included estrangement, anthropomorphism, reminiscence, personalization, need for socialization versus fear of socialization and attitudes toward technology. After this brief exposure to SoW, residents expressed the likelihood of using video-calls for socialization in the future.ConclusionCare home residents enjoy engaging with new technologies when given the opportunity to interact with it, to personalize it and to understand its purpose. Low cost aesthetic personalization of technologies can improve their acceptability, usability, and implementation within complex care environments.

scholarly journals Assessing the Appeal of Instagram Electronic Cigarette Refill Liquid Promotions and Warnings Among Young Adults: Mixed Methods Focus Group Study

10.2196/15441 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (11) ◽  
pp. e15441 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linnea I Laestadius ◽  
Kendall E Penndorf ◽  
Melissa Seidl ◽  
Young I Cho
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Young Adult ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Nicotine Addiction ◽  
Electronic Cigarette ◽  
Framework Analysis ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
User Perceptions ◽  
Regulatory Strategies

Background While marketing for electronic cigarette refill liquids (e-liquids) is widespread on Instagram, little is known about the post elements that create appeal among young adult Instagram users. Further information is needed to help shape regulatory strategies appropriate for social media. Objective This study examined young adult Instagram user perceptions of actual e-liquid marketing posts and US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–mandated nicotine addiction warning statements on Instagram. Methods A series of 12 focus groups (n=69) were held with non–tobacco users, vapers, smokers, and dual users in Wisconsin between September and December 2018. Participants discussed the elements of posts that they found appealing or unappealing, in addition to completing a survey about each post and e-liquid. Focus group transcripts were analyzed by smoking status using a framework analysis approach. Results Although willingness to try e-liquids was highest among nicotine users, focus group discussions indicated that Instagram posts promoting e-liquids held appeal for individuals across smoking statuses. The primary elements that created appeal were the perceived trustworthiness of the Instagram account, attractive design and flavor visuals, and promotion of flavors and nicotine levels that met personal preferences. Post appeal was reduced by references to vaping subcultures, indicators that the post creator did not take nicotine addiction seriously, and FDA-mandated nicotine warning statements. Non–tobacco users were particularly drawn to posts featuring nicotine-free e-liquids with attractive visual designs and flavors known from foods. Conclusions Young adults consider a broad range of elements in assessing the appeal of e-liquid marketing on Instagram, with minor but notable distinctions by smoking status. Non–tobacco users are uniquely drawn to nicotine-free e-liquids and are more deterred by the FDA’s mandated nicotine addiction warning statements than those from other smoking statuses. This suggests that it may be possible to tailor policy interventions in a manner that helps to reduce novel uptake of vaping without significantly diminishing its potential harm-reduction benefits.

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