Google Trends Analysis of Interest in Smoking Cessation, Treatment Options, and Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems Following Tax Increase and Introduction of Pictorial Health Warnings in Germany

BACKGROUND: Smoking places a significant burden on healthcare systems, necessitating effective tobacco control measures. Pictorial health warnings (PHW) and tax increases have demonstrated great efficacy, yet their impact on cessation treatments and unintended shifts toward electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) remains elusive. This study analyzes changes in public interest following these measures using online search volume for search terms regarding three categories: cessation, treatment, and ENDS. METHODS: An interrupted time series analysis was conducted. First, an online survey in Germany determined relevant tobacco control measures and search terms related to the three categories. Participants (n = 487) were

• Jagomast, T.
• Tangemann-Münstedt, I.
• Lüthgen, M.
• Faesser, H. A.
• Lueg, T.
• Drömann, D.
• Franzen, K. F.