Access to health communication and knowledge of tobacco damages among Vietnamese people in 2025
Main Article Content
Abstract
This study examined the association between media exposure and knowledge of the harmful effects of tobacco among residents in selected provinces of Vietnam in 2025. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 2,381 individuals aged 15 - 70 years old in eight provinces/cities using a structured questionnaire administered through face-to-face interviews. Multiple linear regression analysis was employed to assess the relationship between media exposure and knowledge scores regarding the harmful effects of tobacco. The frequency of media exposure was positively associated with knowledge scores; participants with frequent media exposure had significantly higher mean knowledge scores than those with limited exposure (β = 0,462, p < 0.001). Among different communication channels, media exposure through healthcare facilities showed the strongest association, with an adjusted β coefficient of 1,215 (p < 0.001). Multichannel communication, particularly via healthcare facilities, plays a critical role in improving public knowledge of the harmful effects of tobacco. Consequently, priority should be given to strengthening direct counseling at hospitals and developing targeted communication messages for manual workers and individuals with primary school non graduate people.
Article Details
Keywords
Communication channels, the public, knowledge, harmful effects of tobacco
References
2. WHO. Điều tra quốc gia các yếu tố nguy cơ bệnh không lây nhiễm tại Việt Nam, 2021.WHO; 2023, truy cập 18/1/2026.
3. Quốc hội. Luật phòng, chống tác hại của thuốc lá 2012 số 09/2012/QH13. Truy cập. January 9, 2026. Truy cập 18/1/ 2026. https://thuvienphapluat.vn/van-ban/The-thao-Y-te/Luat-phong-chong-tac-hai-cua-thuoc-la-2012-142763.aspx.
4. Minh An DT, Van Minh H, Huong LT, et al. Knowledge of the health consequences of tobacco smoking: a cross-sectional survey of Vietnamese adults. Glob Health Action. 2013; 6: 1-9. doi:10.3402/gha.v6i0.18707.
5. Le T Hoang, Tran T Tuyet Hanh, Luong N Khue, et al. Intention to Quit and Predictive Factors Among Current Smokers in Vietnam: Findings From Adult Tobacco Survey 2020. 15: 1-7.
6. Bộ Y tế. Dự thảo báo cáo tổng kết 13 năm thực hiện luật phòng, chống tác hại của thuốc lá. Hà Nội; 2026.
7. Rand R Wilcox. Introduction to Robust Estimation and Hypothesis Testing. Academic Press. Published 2013.
8. Saul McLeod. Albert Bandura’s Social Learning Theory. In: Psychology. Updated October 16, 2025. Accessed January 18, 2026. https://www.simplypsychology.org/bandura.html.
9. Bafunno D, Catino A, Lamorgese V, et al. Impact of tobacco control interventions on smoking initiation, cessation, and prevalence: a systematic review. J Thorac Dis. 2020; 12(7): 3844-3856. doi:10.21037/jtd.2020.02.23.
10. Durkin S, Brennan E, Wakefield M. Mass media campaigns to promote smoking cessation among adults: an integrative review. Tobacco Control. 2012; 21(2): 127-138. doi:10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2011-050345.
11. Wakefield MA, Loken B, Hornik RC. Use of mass media campaigns to change health behaviour. The Lancet. 2010; 376(9748): 1261-1271. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(10)60809-4.
12. Cosmas Zyambo, Seter Siziya, Wingston Ng’ambi, et al. Receipt of healthcare provider’s advice for smoking cessation and quit attempts in Zambia. Popul. Med. 2023; 5(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.18332/popmed/157138.
13. Stead LF, Buitrago D, Preciado N, et al. Physician advice for smoking cessation. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013; 2013(5): CD000165. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD000165.pub4.
14. Shin SR, Lee EH. Effects of a Smoking Cessation Counseling Education Program on Nursing Students. Healthcare (Basel). 2023; 11(20): 2734. doi:10.3390/healthcare11202734.