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Promotion on Smoking Cessation

Bureau / Department Tobacco Control Office, Department of Health
Objective To promote smoking cessation in Hong Kong
Content The department has taken a multi-pronged approach in promoting smoking cessation in Hong Kong. It consists of publicity, education and provision of smoking cessation services. The department works hand-in-hand with the Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health in accomplishing the objective of promoting smoking cessation in Hong Kong.
Groups / Persons Affected All people, especially smokers in Hong Kong
Impact In view of the smoking prevalence situation among young women, the department launched a promotional campaign in 2009-2010 which included production of a gender specific pamphlet, advertisement through TV/radio, billboard, bus surface and internet. Publicity materials were also distributed to target population through non-governmental organisations which are providing services to women. Starting early 2010, the Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health (COSH) has conducted a Smoke-free Women Campaign with a view to preventing women from smoking and encouraging smoking cessation. The campaign promotes a smoke-free lifestyle and cessation targeting at female smokers. A research study is also undertaken to understand the issue of female smoking and to formulate effective prevention strategies. In 2015, COSH launched the Women Smoking Cessation Promotion Programme to raise the awareness of the hazards of smoking on physical appearance, health and next generation to promote smoking cessation among women.

The above initiatives contribute to women's health. It is believed that women's awareness on the merits of smoking cessation will be enhanced.
Success Factor / Lessons Learned
  • Collected and considered sex-disaggregated data in designing the programme. The department has made reference to the statistics on the smoking prevalence between men and women. It is found that comparing with men, women smokers are generally younger. While the overall smoking prevalence is on a decreasing trend in the past few decades, the prevalence of smoking among women showed a slight increase, then declined after implementation of the amended Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance.
  • The gender-specific statistics and information collected on the reasons of smoking and quitting could help the planning of future promotional programme.
  • Collaboration with women's organisations helps strengthen the accessibility and influence of the promotional campaign in the women community.