Effective Cigarette Health Warning Labels in China

Picture-based health warning labels (HWLs) on cigarette packages are an essential component of a national strategy to reduce tobacco use.

Globally, over 100 countries have finalized requirements for pictorial HWLs printed on packages of cigarettes^1,2. China currently uses text-only health warning labels.  With the largest number of cigarette users in the world, China has tremendous opportunity to improve public health with the adoption of effective HWLs.

This study was conducted in 4 cities across China to test different HWL designs.

This research will help support the design of effective cigarette HWLs to ensure the pictures and text work together to educate smokers about the harms of smoking and encourage cessation.