Tobaksfakta – a web for advocacy through monitoring have been active for 15 years

The website www.tobaksfakta.se has been monitoring and communicating news items towards a tobacco and nicotine free society for 15 years. Developments and research have been followed and published on the website and in newsletters to highlight the risks of tobacco, e-cigaretts and snus use as well as evidence-based interventions to reduce consumption. Resources for the service consist of a part-time editor together with a journalist supplemented by a monitoring service.

Impact

An evaluation with Google Analytics, after rebuilding the site, shows more than a doubling of page views on the website between 2020 – 2023 (225-547 thousand). As well as the number of returning visitors increased from 19000 to 25000 and stay just over 5 minutes on the site. Number of articles and news items posted are roughly 200 per year. Regular newsletters are sent to 2500 subscribers and are opened by about 35% of recipients.

Outcome

Interest in the website has been high and has grown over the years both nationally and to our neighbouring countries. The traffic on the website indicates that information and influence are likely to have increased among the target groups. With small resources and volunteer commitment, a significant impact can be achieved in spreading knowledge and understanding of the tobacco and nicotine issue.

The continuation

There are still challenges to face. In a European estimate of implemented measures, Tobacco Control Scale, Sweden has fallen from 6th to 21st place from 2005 to 2021. Snus use and nicotine pouches has increased and spread internationally.

This monitoring needs to continue. We are grateful and hope for continued support from the Public Health Agency of Sweden.

Thanks to everyone who contributed!