Introduction:The FDA has the authority to regulate tobacco products, including the implementation of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging. This study examines the short-term effects of these front-of-package health warnings on smokers' attention, package preferences, and intentions to quit. Methods:A total of 951 smokers were recruited via Amazon Mechanical Turk. Participants completed an online survey that included demographic questions, measures of attention to warnings, package choice, and quit intention. Participants were randomly assigned to view cigarette packs with or without warnings. Results:First, exposure to warnings increased attention to the warning area (OR = 1.747, p = 0.0109), and increased the likelihood of choosing packages without warnings as prices increased (OR = 18.244, p<0.001). Additionally, focusing on the warning content also made smokers more likely to choose packages without warnings as price increased (OR = 5.025, p<0.001). However, warnings had no significant effect on quit intentions. Conclusions:Warnings effectively capture attention and influence cigarette package preferences, but their impact on quit intentions was not detectable after single exposure. These findings suggest that while warnings may affect short-term purchasing behavior, they are insufficient for driving cessation. Future research should investigate the long-term impact of warnings and consider other factors influencing quitting behavior.
Objectives: This study was an exploration of the long-term relationship between changes in workforce participation and psychological well-being among Korean older adults. Methods: Using nationally representative data from 2006 to 2022, an estimate fixed-effects models was made to predict depression scores based on labor status transitions, analyzing 23,516 person-years of observations. Subsequent models were developed to examine multivariate interaction terms with retrospective properties of career history after controlling for potential confounding bias arising from time-invariant variables. Results: There were significant links between employment status changes and depression. Individuals who transitioned to full retirement or post-retirement work were at a higher risk of experiencing depression compared to those who continued working. Furthermore, findings revealed that the psychological benefits of delayed retirement were not found among agricultural and unskilled manual workers as well as workers in precarious jobs. Conclusions: The disparities in health outcomes associated with labor force transitions highlight the complexity of productive engagement among older adults, particularly in the context of limited public support for aging populations.
Objectives: In this study, we examined the main and interactive effects of severe obesity and self-rated health on handwashing, which is the most effective way to prevent COVID-19. We report factors that contribute to good self-rated health among adolescents with severe obesity. Methods: We surveyed a stratified cluster sample of 54,848 adolescents concerning their weight and height, self-rated health, and handwashing behaviors. Results: The main effects of severe obesity and self-rated health on handwashing behavior were statistically significant; handwashing scores of those without severe obesity and those with good selfrated health were higher than those with severe obesity and those with poor self-rated health. Although the interaction effect between severe obesity and self-rated health was non-significant, the handwashing score of the group with both severe obesity and poor self-rated health was the lowest among all groups. Additionally, among adolescents with severe obesity, 81.8% had good self-rated health. Our analysis showed that contributing factors were economic status, academic achievement, and mother’s education level. Conclusions: This study highlights the urgent need for tailored health education programs to address health perception inaccuracies and promote effective handwashing practices among adolescents with severe obesity.
Objective: To provide insight into how the availability of a new heated tobacco product (glo HTP) may influence combustible cigarette and other tobacco and nicotine‐containing products (TNP) use behavior among current regular cigarette smokers in the United States in their natural environment. Methods: 1180 participants between the ages of 21 and 60 were enrolled in a prospective observational study across ten study sites in the South, Midwest, and Mid-Atlantic United States. A smartphone-based electronic diary (eDiary) was used to record self-reported daily ad libitum use of combustible cigarettes (CC), the glo HTP (comprising a glo heating device and four HTP consumables termed “neo sticks”), and other TNP. Participants recorded all TNP use, including CC, during a one-week baseline period with no glo HTP availability and subsequently during a 6-week actual use period (AUP) with glo HTP available ad libitum. In addition to eDiary consumption data, subjective experiences and product use behaviors were queried at regular site visits and at the study end. Results: There was an overall reduction in combustible cigarette use during the six-week AUP. A considerable proportion (60.8%) of study participants who used glo HTP became “established users,” defined as using at least 100 neo sticks over the AUP. A 30.0% decrease in median number of cigarettes smoked per day (CPD) (from 11.0 to 7.7 CPD) was observed for those who remained in the study through Week 6 and completed the final survey, with approximately 4% recording no cigarette use at Week 6. Over the course of 6 weeks, a sizable proportion (26.0%) reduced their CPD consumption by 50% or more compared to baseline. At the same time, there were no increases in the means of combined total tobacco product uses per day for all subgroups observed. Conclusions: The results suggest that participants substituted some or all of their cigarette use with glo HTP. Availability and use of glo HTP may help some smokers migrate away from the use of combustible cigarettes, suggesting that this product could play a key role in tobacco harm reduction and positively impact public health.
Objectives: This study seeks to provide a complete communication model that integrates the SMCR communication theory with the Health Communication Model, utilising the Interactionism Model as the foundational framework. It investigates causal correlations among factors and corroborates findings through a subsequent qualitative phase to improve communication techniques that promote healthy behaviours and well-being. Methods: A mixed methods approach employing an explanatory sequential design was utilised. Phase 1 was a quantitative investigation with 800 elderly volunteers (mean age = 68 years and 9 months) selected by stratified quota sampling. Data were gathered utilising 13 validated questionnaires (6‐point rating scale; overall reliability = 0.755). Phase 2 employed a phenomenological methodology involving 18 people, aged 60 to 80, selected by purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Data were collected via focus groups and comprehensive interviews to investigate communication obstacles and guide strategic development. Results: Quantitative results corroborated all five theories. The model fit indices were acceptable: X2 = 98.623, df = 49, p = 0.013, RMSEA = 0.037, CFI = 0.986, TLI = 0.985, SRMR = 0.052. Principal factors encompassed communication for health literacy (β = 0.804), quality of life (β = 0.843), psychological resilience (β = 0.709), information exposure (β = 0.743), and health literacy (β = 0.832). 2) Qualitative findings indicated: (a) urban elderly individuals possessed superior access to health information owing to familial support, educational background, and media exposure; (b) intricate content and digital access impediments obstructed engagement; (c) peer communication was regarded as reliable; (d) simplicity and usability were favoured in technological applications; and (e) communication tools that enhance familial interaction were greatly esteemed. Conclusions: The study advocates for the improvement of health-oriented media literacy and the implementation of routine mental health evaluations every three months. Government assistance is crucial for the expansion of healthcare networks for the elderly. Eight strategic directions are recommended: 1) Age-appropriate language; 2) Diverse and accessible media; 3) Participatory communication; 4) Family and social involvement; 5) Behavior-driven activities; 6) Gradual technology integration; 7) Consistent follow-up; 8) Culturally sensitive messaging.
