The role of information, education and treatment in tobacco control

Because tobacco use is both an individual and a social behaviour, the efficacy of information, education and treatment addressed to smokers is greatly influenced by the inhibiting or facilitating effects of the environment and the social values given to smoking and to not smoking. The environment is a function of the evolution of tobacco use and the extent of tobacco control efforts. Information is the fuel for legislative and regulatory measures. These and public health education campaigns set the stage for building motivation and confidence to stop smoking and reinforce the social value of non-smoking. As individuals desire, and become prepared for, change, treatments help them address their needs. The role of information, education and treatment are interconnected. Each plays a different and necessary part in building and reinforcing social change and individual behaviour change. They are all needed to move populations and the individuals in those populations as rapidly as possible away from smoking.