Research on Awareness Level of Smoking-related Health Risks among Singaporeans

Ms Joan Pereira asked the Minister for Health (a) whether research has been conducted to investigate the awareness level of smoking-related health risks among Singaporeans; and (b) what is being done to raise awareness of heart diseases and other health problems that can result from smoking.

A 2016 study2 of awareness of the health risks of smoking found that 74% of Singaporeans surveyed were aware that smoking was associated with heart disease, 64% were aware of the association with stroke, 77% were aware that smoking was associated with mouth and throat cancer, and 82% were aware that smoking was associated with lung cancer.

To raise awareness of the harms of smoking and to educate the next generation of Singaporeans, the Health Promotion Board (HPB) has several ongoing communication and education measures.

One, systematic coverage of the harms of smoking in the school curriculum, supplemented by interactive programmes, such as skits, to help dispel common misconceptions about smoking and equip youths with techniques to refuse cigarette offers.

Two, social media outreach to better engage young Singaporeans.

Three, talks and seminars at workplaces and in the uniformed services to reinforce messages for adults.

Four, HealthHub.sg to make information on harms of tobacco easily accessible online.

Five, graphic health warnings on all tobacco products to remind both smokers and non-smokers of the harms of tobacco use. Graphic health warnings have been mandatory since 2003 and are refreshed every few years. Many smoking-related ailments, including heart disease, have been featured.

This year, HPB will conduct a new public education campaign to encourage Singaporeans to live a tobacco-free lifestyle. The campaign will continue to emphasise the harms of addiction and tobacco use. The Ministry of Health has also recently conducted a public consultation on the introduction of standardised packaging of tobacco products in conjunction with enhanced graphic health warnings. We have received many submissions and are in the process of evaluating the responses received.

HPB's communication and education efforts are part of a multi-pronged approach on tobacco control that includes legislation to control tobacco advertising and the minimum legal age for tobacco use, fiscal measures to reduce affordability and provision of smoking cessation support.