Based on data from the 2019 Global Youth Tobacco Survey, as many as 72.9% of students think that people who smoke can harm them. As many as 89% of students agreed to ban smoking indoors.
Based on data from the 2021 Global Adult Tobacco Survey, as many as 85.7% of adults believe that smoking causes serious illness. As many as 80% of adults believe that inhaling secondhand smoke can cause serious illness in non-smokers.
This survey also shows that 63.4% of people who are currently smoking are planning or thinking about quitting smoking. This effort is supported by the existence of anti-smoking information on television or radio which is seen by 43% of adults. The government also provides free telephone consultation services for those who wish to quit smoking (Quit Line).
However, this is not supported by the large number of cigarette advertisements they see in shops selling cigarettes (45.9%) as well as cigarette advertisements they see in advertisements, promotions and sporting events sponsored by cigarettes (75.3%).
In an effort to support them to stop smoking, the government should be encouraged to make regulations so that cigarette packaging can be plain, properly implement smoke-free areas, prohibit cigarette advertising, promotion and sponsorship. As well as encouraging the government to ratify the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).
Jum’atil Fajar
HIFA Profile: Jum’atil Fajar is Medical Care Manager at RSUD dr. H. Soemarno Sosroatmodjo Kuala Kapuas, Indonesia. Professional interests: Distributing electronic health information among doctors. jumatil AT gmail.com
