SS 13.30-15.00 Special sessions

INTERNATIONAL QUIT AND WIN CONTEST '96 IN 25 COUNTRIES

Altogether 70 000 smokers in 25 countries quit in spring 1996, in the International Quit and Win Contest. They tried to abstain from smoking for at least the next four weeks, in order to be eligible for the draw of regional and national prizes in their countries, as well as for an international superprize (5000 US$). This campaign was second international contest organized within the WHO/CINDI framework. The National Public Health Institute (KTL) in Finland is responsible for the international coordination and evaluation of this campaign. All participating countries followed the jointly agreed rules. Eligible for the contest were all current smokers of at least 18 years of age. Participants had to fill in the entry form no later than the quit date, i.e. 2 May 1996. After the four week period a draw among participants was done in each country. The winners had to verify their nonsmoking with two witnesses plus a biological test.

Countries mainly from Europe, but also from other continents (e.g. Argentina and China) participated in this international effort to promote smokers to quit. Half of the countries implemented the campaign nationally, whereas half of them only in one or more areas. International poster was printed and distributed by KTL to all participating countries. Each country had also its own posters, registration forms and other kinds of campaign material. Most countries used newspapers, television and radio to advertise the contest, emphasizing the international nature of the joined effort.

Number of participants varied from 600 to 9 500 (0.02-1.19% of smokers) in the national contests and from 200 to 15 500 (0.03-1.15%) in the regional ones. Still higher proportions of smokers were recruited in some contests for specific target groups in Sweden (2.78%) or in factories in Shanghai (7.98%). The participation was most active in Malta (national) and China (regional campaigns), whereas North Karelia from Finland and Pitkäranta from Republic of Karelia, Russia had highest participation rates of specific CINDI demonstration areas. In spring 1997 a one year follow-up study will be conducted, including process and outcome evaluation of this international campaign coordinated by KTL. Based on earlier experiences it can be estimated that 15-20% of these quitters will remain smokefree still after 12 months. This means that total of 10 000-15 000 smokers will stop smoking permanently in connection of this campaign. This rather beneficial cost-effect ratio is supplemented by many broader positive impacts and experiences in participating countries.

Smoke Free Europe Conference Abstracts - 19 SEP 1996

Generated with Harlequin WebMaker