Survey: Smokers Who Don''t Quit To Consider Better Alternatives

Source from:  Gulfnews 08/22/2019

Philip Morris International Inc. (PMI) on Wednesday released a white paper titled "Unsmoke: Clearing the Way for Change" based on findings from a major international study conducted for the company by independent research firm Povaddo.

There is no question that, while the best choice is to quit cigarettes and nicotine altogether, the reality is that many people don't, the cigarette maker said, citing the study.

The survey — conducted in 13 countries among adults aged 21 to 74 — forms the basis of the paper's exploration around two core themes: the impact of smoking on personal relationships and the lack of information available about smoke-free products.

It reveals some of the barriers that might be preventing smokers from considering smoke-free alternatives over continued smoking.

"There is currently a tremendous amount of misinformation circulating about smoke-free products, and this is causing confusion. It is one of the biggest hurdles the world faces in becoming smoke-free," said Jacek Olczak, chief operating officer at PMI.

"The reality is there are better options available to adult smokers who don't quit. There urgently needs to be a new global conversation-based on scientific research and facts-about these alternatives."

Untruths and Consequences
The white paper looks at the public appetite for a better conversation around how to make cigarettes a thing of the past — it's a desire that's not being fulfilled.

While four in five respondents agreed that change is needed, just over half of the adult smokers surveyed (55 percent) said they have the information they need to make an informed choice about smoke-free products.

in Australia, less than half (43 percent) said they have all the information they need. Compare that with Hong Kong (66 percent), Italy (64 percent) and Brazil (62 percent) — the difference is pronounced.

Demand for information is strong: 90 percent of the public is aware of e-cigarettes, and nearly seven in 10 (68 percent) current smokers said they would be more likely to consider switching to better alternatives such as e-cigarettes or heated tobacco products if they had clearer guidance on how these products differ from cigarettes.

Across the 13 countries, the strongest consideration of switching as a result of better information was shown by the Latin American countries: Brazil and Mexico (both 85 percent) and Argentina (80 percent).

The lowest likelihood was shown by two European neighbors: Germany (51 percent) and Denmark (47 percent).  Enditem