TY - JOUR T1 - Impact on the Australian Quitline of new graphic cigarette pack warnings including the Quitline number JF - Tobacco Control JO - Tob Control SP - 235 LP - 237 DO - 10.1136/tc.2008.028290 VL - 18 IS - 3 AU - C L Miller AU - D J Hill AU - P G Quester AU - J E Hiller Y1 - 2009/06/01 UR - http://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/content/18/3/235.abstract N2 - Background: In March 2006, Australia introduced graphic pictorial warnings on cigarette packets. For the first time, packs include the Quitline number.Objective: To measure the combined effect of graphic cigarette pack warnings and printing the Quitline number on packs on calls to the Australian Quitline service.Methods: Calls to the Australian Quitline were monitored over 4 years, 2 years before and after the new packets were introduced.Results: There were twice as many calls to the Quitline in 2006 (the year of introduction), as there were in each of the preceding 2 years. The observed increase in calls exceeds that explained by the accompanying television advertising alone. While call volume tapered back in 2007, it remained at a level higher than before the introduction of new packets. No change was observed in the proportion of first time callers.Conclusion: Introducing graphic cigarette packet warnings and the Quitline number on cigarette packets boosts demand for Quitline services, with likely flow on effects to cessation. ER -