[Tobacco reduction on Facebook among 14-35-year-olds].

INTRODUCTION

The possibility of successful smoking cessation is increased by early initiation. Therefore, promoting smoking cessation at early age (especially among 14-35-year-olds) has a key role in reducing tobacco use prevalence. Facebook is one of the most popular websites among adolescents and young adults which can be used for age-specific smoking cessation support.

AIM

Our research seeks to reveal the effects of a Facebook page on smoking habits, smoking cessation knowledge and attitudes among 14-35-year-olds.

METHOD

An online survey was conducted among the 3278 followers of the author's Facebook page. The questionnaire was completed by 332 people among 14-35-year-olds. We analysed demographic data, smoking habits, the usage frequency and duration of the Facebook page as well as changes in smoking habits, smoking cessation knowledge and attitudes.

RESULTS

The average age was 22.57 ± 5.08 years. The examined population consisted of 65% currently smokers, 12% former smokers and 23% non-smokers. Significantly more people reported a positive change in their smoking habits and smoking cessation attitudes among smokers who used the Facebook page more frequently and with longer duration (p<0.05). The habit and attitude changes were significantly higher among smokers who plan to quit smoking (p<0.01). Nevertheless, we also observed attitude changes between 12-25% among smokers who did not plan to quit. Among non-smokers, the positive attitude changes were significantly higher in the low-educated population who live in villages (p<0.01).

CONCLUSION

This Facebook page had a positive effect on smoking habits, smoking cessation knowledge and attitudes among 14-35-year-olds. The contents of the Facebook page could be used to prevent smoking and support smoking cessation among 14-35-year-olds. Orv Hetil. 2019; 160(6): 220-227.