Analyzing the Effects of Graphic Messages on the Consumption Level of Cigarette Users

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

After the implementation of the Republic Act No. 10643 or The Graphic Health Warnings Law, some health related groups expect a decrease of the number of smokers through the presence of the said law. However, based on the researcher’s observation, not all smokers could easily adapt such implementation especially because the templates for the graphic messages are new to the eyes of the public. Thus, this research is studied to discover the effects of the existing new graphic messages to the consumption level of smokers that was strongly supported by sensory semantic theory together with different local and foreign studies.

METHODS

A quantitative research was used in the study. Using a descriptive research design, the researcher conducted the study on the selected barangays in City of Santa Rosa Laguna. Forty male and forty female smokers with different ages and length of cigarette usage responded to a set of structured questionnaires. The answers of the respondents were measured through the use of the weighted mean and interpreted using the descriptive analysis.

RESULTS

Most of the respondents responded accordingly on how the graphic messages affected their cigarette consumption level. The graphic messages were released to the public in the year 2016 and this demanded every tobacco company to place this in each cigarette pack. After this was released, the smokers became aware that these cigarette graphic messages were enforced to unveil the detrimental outcome of smoking to a persons' health. The graphic messages last longer on the mind of a smoker rather than the text warnings only that is why it is easier for them to recall the warnings. The smokers were also concerned with their environment such as the persons who can inhale the smoke of the cigarette they are using. As a result, they became attached to the graphic messages and more cautious. This signified that the implementation of the R.A. No. 10643 was a good start to convince smokers to refrain from smoking.

DISCUSSIONS

The results illustrated that the graphic messages affect the smokers when it comes to their cigarette consumption level but this is not yet enough. The Department of Health (DOH) and other health related groups are recommended to strengthen more its campaign about raising the awareness on the adverse effects of smoking towards a persons' health through ensuring that all the smokers will be aware about the existence of the new graphic messages.