Impact Data - Tobacco on Trial - A BBC Radio Series - Bangladesh/West Bengal/Middle East

Although some felt the material to be a bit ambiguous as to whether it was promoting or demoting smoking, the general feeling was that Tobacco on Trial had increased knowledge on the health hazards of smoking and on issues such as the economic impact of the tobacco industry.Non-smokers felt strongly that young people should be deterred from smoking, especially those below the age of 16.

There are a good many smokers who have no intention to quit, regardless of the known health hazards to their health. There were some; however, who said they would try harder to quit after hearing the Tobacco on Trial series. Many would give anything to quit but are so addicted that they feel utterly helpless and strongly believe that we need to educate our youth before they too are addicted to this drug.

Many felt that religion should be used to aid in the anti-tobacco campaign: "If the religious leaders preach about the bad effects of tobacco it would have a substantial effect" because "it is a sin in Islam". Attitudes to smoking were complex and mixed depending on age and whether the person was a smoker or not. Smokers wanted more information on how to beat the habit instead of more rhetoric on the dangers to their health. Overall, it was felt that Tobacco on Trial was a well-produced educational series from a trusted and reliable source which served to raise social consciousness about the anti-smoking movement.

Dialogue is not common around the smoking issue amongfamilies and in particular, between fathers and sons, unless a parent discovers their child smoking. There is still an element of taboo surrounding the smoking issue for non-smokers which generally eliminates meaningful conversation with youth around the dangers of tobacco. The opportunity of a radio programme to instigate discussion was welcomed. Adults who already smoke discussed their habit more openly, especially among friends who also smoke.