2023 World Conference on Lung Cancer (Posters)-EP01.01. Binge-Watching Frequency and Tobacco Use in Adolescents: Data from “Blaam Smoke-Free Movie” Program

EP01.01. Binge-Watching Frequency and Tobacco Use in Adolescents: Data from “Blaam Smoke-Free Movie” Program - PDF(Slides)

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A study conducted in Italy explored the relationship between binge-watching habits and tobacco use in adolescents. The study utilized the BLAAM Smoke Free Movies program, which encouraged students to critically analyze films and report instances of smoking. The participants included 1790 secondary school students with an average age of 16 years. The study aimed to describe the prevalence of smoking in South Italy, assess addiction levels to watching smoking scenes in movies, and examine the relationship between addiction levels, cigarette use, and perception of cigarette dangers.<br /><br />The results showed that the initiation of smoking typically occurred at 13.7 years of age, with 45% of participants trying cigarettes before they were of legal age. The majority of adolescents considered traditional cigarettes to be very dangerous, while fewer viewed heat-not-burn cigarettes and electronic cigarettes as dangerous. Among participants who smoked, 47% expressed a desire to quit smoking traditional cigarettes, while only 16% of heat-not-burn cigarette smokers showed interest in quitting.<br /><br />The study also found a correlation between binge-watching habits and smoking. Students who reported staying longer than expected to watch TV series and neglecting chores to watch TV series were more likely to smoke. Higher levels of dependence on watching TV series were associated with a lower perception of risk regarding smoking traditional cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, and heat-not-burn cigarettes.<br /><br />The study concluded that continuous exposure to smoking in movies and TV series increases the likelihood of adolescent smoking. Longitudinal studies are needed to further investigate the impact of reducing children's exposure to smoking in movies on long-term health consequences related to smoking. Overall, the study highlights the importance of addressing smoking imagery in media to support healthy teen behaviors.

Asset Subtitle

Daniela Bafunno

Meta Tag

Speaker Daniela Bafunno

Topic Risk Factors, Risk Reduction & Tobacco Control

Keywords

Italy

binge-watching habits

tobacco use

adolescents

BLAAM Smoke Free Movies program

smoking scenes in movies

smoking prevalence

cigarette addiction

risk perception

teen behaviors