The effect of health, cosmetic and social antismoking information themes on adolescents’ beliefs about smoking

Abstract

The paper examines the effect of long-term health-related and short-term social and physical antismoking information on adolescents' beliefs about smoking. Findings from a UK school-based study indicate that antismoking information about the short-term effects of smoking, such as cosmetic (e.g. yellow teeth and fingernails and smelly clothes) and fitness, have a greater impact on beliefs than long-term health-related information. The implications for the design of antismoking campaigns are explored.