The Influence of Persuasive Messages to Quit Smoking by Media Advertisements

INTRODUCTION: The high rate of substance use highlights the need to intervene in the initial use prevention of smoking tobacco. The aim was to determine the efficacy of anti-smoking messages to motivate smoking cessation.

METHODS: It was hypothesised that the messages would reduce the frequency of smoking. The influence of the messages on the intention to smoke, negative emotions, perceived self-efficacy, and health behaviour was also measured. Relevant reliable and valid questionnaires were used to collect data for this experimental study.

RESULTS: In this study mean differences were calculated. The findings revealed differences between the response scores in the experimental and control groups for the study variables.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings implied the necessity for the creation of new policies for advertising agencies. Further, it suggests the use of effective anti-smoking messages with patients who smoke to prevent the worsening and progression of substance use in the future. It is recommended for future researchers to replicate the study with a variety of populations and settings for the effect of substance use other than smoking.