Smoking prevention campaign for youth in Israel

Abstract

Background: Smoking rates among teenagers have increased in many countries including Israel. Youth smoking prevention programs have developed considerably in recent years and the present study examines results of mass media anti-smoking campaign in Israel.

Methods: Two telephone interviews were conducted one moth and 9 months after exposure to TV advertisements. The two surveys consisted of random samples of Israeli adolescents aged 12-18 years.

Results: After one month, 77% of the survey participants remembered the slogan of the TV ads, and 30% used it. After 9 months, 32% remembered it and 6% used it. 28% said they were affected by the TV ads. After 9 months, 25% increased their awareness about anti-smoking behaviors, 2% claimed to have stopped smoking, and 1% claimed to have decreased smoking). Significant changes in anti-smoking awareness were found in survey participants who were exposed to TV ads and also participated in a school program.