Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

A. Importance of the Study

One of the most serious health problems facing our nation is cigarette smoking.

Each year, tens of thousands die, and countless more suffer from chronic diseases, as a

consequence of prolonged smoke.

Cigarette smoking during childhood and adolescence produces significant health

problems; it will result in the increase of the number of respiratory illnesses, decreased

physical fitness, an unfavourable lipid profile, and potential retardation in the rate of lung

growth and the level of maximum lung function. (Caday, 2007)

In the Philippines, many Filipinos die due to smoking-related diseases. On a daily

basis, 240 Filipinos die because of these smoking-related diseases such as heart failure,

stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, peripheral vascular disease and many

cancers. This accounts for 87,600 deaths due to smoking-related diseases in the country

every year (WHO, 2009b).

Because of the ineffectiveness of the previous health warnings that uses text

forms, Republic Act No. 10643 (RA 10643) entitled “AN ACT TO EFFECTIVELY

INSTILL HEALTH CONSCIOUSNESS THROUGH GRAPHIC HEALTH

WARNINGS ON TOBACCO PRODUCTS” was approved on July 15, 2014 and took

effect on August 7, 2014, fifteen (15) days after its complete publication in newspapers of

general circulation. (Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines, 2014)

Because of the existence of the RA 10643, this motivated the researchers to

conduct a study regarding on the “Effects of Graphical Health Warnings on cigarette

packages to Consumer Buying habits in Batac City.

B. Objectives of the Study

 To determine on what extent do the DOH campaign regarding RA10643 affect the

cigarette users in Batac City.

C. Statement of the Problem

Generally, the study aims to answer the effects of the graphical health warnings

on cigarette packages in consumer buying habits in Batac City. This also aims to answer

the following statements:

1. The reasons of implementing RA 10643 (The Graphic Health Warnings Law).

2. To determine what quantity do most of the consumers buy per purchase.

3. To determine how often do consumers buy cigarette products.

4. To determine how many cigarette sticks does the respondents consume.

D. Time and Place of the Study

The study will be conducted in the City of Batac from the month of March to May

2017.

E. Scope and Delimitations of the Study

The study aims to answer the effects of the graphical health warnings on cigarette

packages in consumer buying habits in Batac City. The data to be gathered will be limited

to those smokers that are available in selected barangays that are within the scope the

study.