- C L Miller: The Cancer Council South Australia, PO Box 929, UNLEY BC SA 5061, Australia. cmiller@cancersa.org.au
BACKGROUND: In March 2006, Australia introduced graphic pictorial warnings on cigarette packets. For the first time, packs include the Quitline number.
OBJECTIVE: To measure the combined effect of graphic cigarette pack warnings and printing the Quitline number on packs on calls to the Australian Quitline service.
METHODS: Calls to the Australian Quitline were monitored over 4 years, 2 years before and after the new packets were introduced.
RESULTS: There were twice as many calls to the Quitline in 2006 (the year of introduction), as there were in each of the preceding 2 years. The observed increase in calls exceeds that explained by the accompanying television advertising alone. While call volume tapered back in 2007, it remained at a level higher than before the introduction of new packets. No change was observed in the proportion of first time callers.
CONCLUSION: Introducing graphic cigarette packet warnings and the Quitline number on cigarette packets boosts demand for Quitline services, with likely flow on effects to cessation.