Message development for a communication campaign to support health warning labels on cigars: a qualitative study

Abstract Background Communication campaigns for health warning labels (HWLs) are an evidence-based strategy to reduce tobacco use. No research has examined campaign messages to support graphic HWLs for little cigars and cigarillos (LCCs). Methods We developed four message types for graphic LCC HWLs:...

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Main Authors: Chineme Enyioha, Sonia A. Clark, Kristen L. Jarman, Remi Philips, Selena Kleber, James F. Thrasher, Adam O. Goldstein
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2024-12-01
Series:BMC Public Health
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-21097-1
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author Chineme Enyioha
Sonia A. Clark
Kristen L. Jarman
Remi Philips
Selena Kleber
James F. Thrasher
Adam O. Goldstein
author_facet Chineme Enyioha
Sonia A. Clark
Kristen L. Jarman
Remi Philips
Selena Kleber
James F. Thrasher
Adam O. Goldstein
author_sort Chineme Enyioha
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Communication campaigns for health warning labels (HWLs) are an evidence-based strategy to reduce tobacco use. No research has examined campaign messages to support graphic HWLs for little cigars and cigarillos (LCCs). Methods We developed four message types for graphic LCC HWLs: (1) Explanatory (2) Testimonial (3) Inquisitive and (4) Recommendation, depicting colon, lung, and esophageal cancer. Online focus groups with Black and White young adults (18–25 years old) who reported current LCC use were conducted. Participants were shown graphic HWLs on LCCs and then four message types corresponding to the HWLs. Participants discussed persuasive communication features for each message type. Results Thirty-six young adults who use LCCs participated. Four central themes were revealed. (1) Perceived credibility of message and messenger impacted effectiveness. (2) Personally relevant messages were emotionally engaging and made people think about their health, (3) Succinct, factual messages with new information were perceived as believable, and (4) Language perceived to be “Marketing,” was deemed insincere. Conclusions For communication campaigns to support graphic HWLs for LCCs, messages perceived as credible, relatable, and messages that convey new information are more likely to be received positively and may increase campaign effectiveness.
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spelling doaj-art-34d4fa215ee64fabb11e0c3706a757fc2025-08-20T01:57:13ZengBMCBMC Public Health1471-24582024-12-012411910.1186/s12889-024-21097-1Message development for a communication campaign to support health warning labels on cigars: a qualitative studyChineme Enyioha0Sonia A. Clark1Kristen L. Jarman2Remi Philips3Selena Kleber4James F. Thrasher5Adam O. Goldstein6Department of Family Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel HillLineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel HillDepartment of Family Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel HillDepartment of Family Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel HillDepartment of Family Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel HillDepartment of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, University of South CarolinaDepartment of Family Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel HillAbstract Background Communication campaigns for health warning labels (HWLs) are an evidence-based strategy to reduce tobacco use. No research has examined campaign messages to support graphic HWLs for little cigars and cigarillos (LCCs). Methods We developed four message types for graphic LCC HWLs: (1) Explanatory (2) Testimonial (3) Inquisitive and (4) Recommendation, depicting colon, lung, and esophageal cancer. Online focus groups with Black and White young adults (18–25 years old) who reported current LCC use were conducted. Participants were shown graphic HWLs on LCCs and then four message types corresponding to the HWLs. Participants discussed persuasive communication features for each message type. Results Thirty-six young adults who use LCCs participated. Four central themes were revealed. (1) Perceived credibility of message and messenger impacted effectiveness. (2) Personally relevant messages were emotionally engaging and made people think about their health, (3) Succinct, factual messages with new information were perceived as believable, and (4) Language perceived to be “Marketing,” was deemed insincere. Conclusions For communication campaigns to support graphic HWLs for LCCs, messages perceived as credible, relatable, and messages that convey new information are more likely to be received positively and may increase campaign effectiveness.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-21097-1CigarsHealth warnings labelsCampaign messages
spellingShingle Chineme Enyioha
Sonia A. Clark
Kristen L. Jarman
Remi Philips
Selena Kleber
James F. Thrasher
Adam O. Goldstein
Message development for a communication campaign to support health warning labels on cigars: a qualitative study
BMC Public Health
Cigars
Health warnings labels
Campaign messages
title Message development for a communication campaign to support health warning labels on cigars: a qualitative study
title_full Message development for a communication campaign to support health warning labels on cigars: a qualitative study
title_fullStr Message development for a communication campaign to support health warning labels on cigars: a qualitative study
title_full_unstemmed Message development for a communication campaign to support health warning labels on cigars: a qualitative study
title_short Message development for a communication campaign to support health warning labels on cigars: a qualitative study
title_sort message development for a communication campaign to support health warning labels on cigars a qualitative study
topic Cigars
Health warnings labels
Campaign messages
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-21097-1
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