The Tobacco Control Unit (UCT) of the Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO) once again took an active part in the XVI Conference of the Catalan Society for the Care and Treatment of Tobacco Use (SCATT), a key event that brings together health professionals, researchers and specialists in tobacco prevention and treatment from across the region.
Under the theme “Together for health, not one step back!”, the conference focused on today’s major challenges in tobacco control. This year’s edition placed particular emphasis on emerging forms of nicotine consumption—such as vaping devices—and on the need to advance towards stricter legislative frameworks to protect the population, especially young people.
First prize for research on health messages and vaping
The scientific programme featured round tables, keynote lectures and oral and poster presentations. In this context, David Fernández Lavado, a researcher at the UCT, presented the study “Saying It Positively or Negatively? The Effect of Health Messages on Vaping in Adolescents”, which received the first prize for best oral communication.
The study, carried out in collaboration with WHO Europe and the Univeristé Libre de Bruxelles, examines the impact of a prototype video and ten health messages—five framed positively and five negatively—on various risks linked to the use of electronic cigarettes, such as lung damage or seizures. The aim is to create a clear, standardised and effective communication framework to increase risk perception among adolescents.
A strong contribution from the UCT
In addition to the award‑winning study, other members of the unit presented scientific communications that highlight the team’s solid research activity and ongoing commitment to reducing tobacco use and its consequences.
