Health Warnings and Counseling for Smoking Cessation

This group will receive only graphical health warnings (GHWs) featuring images proposed by the Bangladesh Tobacco Control Cell, explicitly illustrating smoking-related harms, such as mouth diseases, damaged teeth and gums, lung diseases and cancer, heart diseases and cardiovascular damage, and throat and oral cancer. Additionally, these warnings will clearly highlight the benefits of quitting smoking-including improved overall health, reduced disease risks, financial savings, and enhanced quality of life-as well as practical cessation techniques. Participants will receive these GHW materials at baseline and again at the six-month follow-up to reinforce these critical health messages; however, this intervention group will not receive any counselling services. Monthly SMS reminders will also be sent to participants, prompting them to review the GHW leaflet and reinforcing the negative health impacts of smoking and the benefits of quitting.

Participants in this group will receive graphical health warnings (GHWs) featuring Bangladesh Tobacco Control Cell-approved images clearly depicting smoking-related harms (e.g., mouth diseases, damaged teeth and gums, lung cancer, heart disease, and oral cancer). Additionally, they will receive personalized counselling from community pharmacists, focused on the specific health and financial benefits of quitting, practical cessation techniques, strategies for overcoming barriers, and relapse prevention. This combined intervention will be provided at baseline and reinforced at a six-month follow-up. Monthly SMS reminders will also be sent, reinforcing key messages on the harmful effects of smoking and benefits of cessation.

Participants in this group will receive only routine pharmacy services based on standard pharmacy practice guidelines applicable in each country. They will not receive any additional graphical health warnings or counselling interventions. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months, consistent with the intervention groups.