Smoking control implementation. Educational programmes and information in developed countries

Smoking control should be achieved by implementing comprehensive programmes including public information, health education, cessation 'treatment', and legislation. Health education for children will have only modest impact as long as smoking is still a symbol of being grown-up, of social status and prestige. Separate programmes should be designed for public information, school health education and hospitals and health professionals. Health education and public information are the prerequisites for comprehensive smoking control programmes because they create and maintain problem awareness. On the other hand, a ban on advertising for tobacco is a prerequisite for successful health education. The ultimate goal of health education and information is promotion of the positive social image of nonsmoking behaviour.