Search

Background: Ireland's Smoking Ban reduced health inequalities known to be associated with smoking but some groups may not have benefitted. Mental ill-health and smoking are known to be associated with health inequalities. Whether similar patterns exist for e-cigarette use is less clear, as few data exist. Objectives: To examine: (1) self-reported doctor-diagnosed mental ill-health in Irish 20-year-olds; (2) smoking, e-cigarette, and dual use in those with and without mental ill-health; and (3) protective and risk factors for smoking and e-cigarette use in these groups. Methods: We use cross-sectional data from 20 year-olds in Wave 4 of Growing Up in Ireland Child Cohort. They were asked to self-report mental ill-health which had been diagnosed by a clinician, and their smoking and e-cigarette use. All analyses were performed using SPSS v27. Results: 19.4% (n = 1008) of the total sample (n = 4729) reported a mental ill-health diagnosis. Comparing those with and without, those with mental ill-health had significantly higher prevalence of current smoking (47%, n = 419 vs 36%, n = 1361; OR 1.57, CI: 1.36, 1.82), e-cigarette use (17%, n = 152 vs 13%, n = 485; OR 1.40, CI:1.15, 1.70), and dual use (12%, n = 109 vs 9%, n = 328; OR 1.46, CI:1.16, 1.84). Risk factors for smoking and e-cigarette use were, earlier smoking initiation, peers or primary caregivers who smoked, being in paid employment, one-parent family background, and social media use. Being female was protective. Most risk factors were significantly higher in young adults with mental ill-health but, after adjusting for these variables, respondents with mental ill-health still have significantly higher adjusted higher odds of smoking (aOR 1.28, CI:1.05, 1.56). Conclusions: Inequalities in smoking and e-cigarette use in young adults with mental ill-health are evident 20 years after Ireland's National Smoking Ban. Despite extensive Tobacco Control interventions in the past 20 years, there is still need in Ireland for new targeted interventions to reduce health inequalities for left-behind young smokers with mental ill-health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Pravnik is the property of Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of State & Law and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Tobacco consumption in China remains the primary cause of preventable mortality, with Shanghai being particularly affected by issues related to secondhand smoke exposure. This study explores the role of the public service hotline 12345, a grassroots initiative in Shanghai, in capturing public sentiment and assessing the effectiveness of anti-smoking regulations. Our research aims to accurately and deeply understand the implementation and feedback of smoking control policies: by identifying high-frequency points and prominent issues in smoking control work based on the smoking control work order data received by the health hotline 12320. The results of this study will assist government enforcement agencies in improving smoking monitoring and clarify the direction for improving smoking control measures. Text-mining techniques were employed to analyze a dataset comprising 78011 call sheets, all related to tobacco control and collected from the hotline between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2019. This methodological approach aims to uncover prevalent themes and sentiments in the public discourse on smoking and its regulation, as reflected in the hotline interactions. Our study identified hotspots and the issues of greatest concern to citizens. Additionally, it provided recommendations to enforcement agencies to enhance their capabilities, optimize the allocation of human resources for smoking control monitoring, reduce enforcement costs and support for anti-smoking campaigns, thereby contributing to more effective tobacco control policies in the region.

Abstract Background National comprehensive smoke-free legislation has been found to decrease the incidence of several smoking-related diseases. In 2007, Denmark introduced a national smoking ban, which banned smoking indoor in workplaces and public places, although only partial restrictions were applied in certain settings. We examined the impact of the smoking ban on smoking-related diseases and whether this differed across socioeconomic groups. Methods Interrupted time series analyses of nationwide register data were performed using Poisson regression models to examine the differential impact of the smoking ban on monthly incidence rates of acute myocardial infarction, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and smoking-related cancers from 2002 to 2015. Immediate changes in incidence rates after the smoking ban and long-term changes in disease trends were estimated by comparing data from the pre- and post-ban period. Models were stratified by socioeconomic position. Results Overall, we found neither immediate changes in rates of acute myocardial infarction, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and smoking-related cancers following the smoking ban nor long-term post-ban changes in disease trends as compared to before the ban. Results did not differ across socioeconomic groups. A pronounced socioeconomic gradient in incidence rates was observed for all outcomes both before and after the smoking ban. Conclusion The national smoking ban was not associated with a lower incidence of smoking-related diseases in the post-ban period compared to pre-ban levels and no differences between socioeconomic groups were observed. Future tobacco control in Denmark should consider which measures most effectively target the low socioeconomic groups to decrease the current strong socioeconomic inequality in health.

Despite inititatives to reduce tobacco consumption, smoking remains a primary cause of death for both smokers and nonsmokers exposed to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). The characteristics of some specific groups can make them more exposed to ETS or limit the benefit of prevention measures. This study investigated determinants of ETS in a population of young adult students, considered at higher risk of exposure due to their specific lifestyle. This cross‐sectional study involved 90 students aged 20 ± 1.7 years, from the University of Luxembourg, prior to the smoking ban enforcement in public places in the country. Participants reported their tobacco consumption and exposure to ETS at home and/or in public places, and provided a hair sample analyzed for nicotine and cotinine. Nicotine and cotinine were significantly higher in smokers than in nonsmokers' hair in general (median: 2.6 vs. 0.9 ng/mg and 87.1 vs. 22.5 pg/mg respectively). However, nonsmokers exposed to ETS at home and in public places had comparable concentrations to smokers (nic = 2.2 ng/mg; cot = 56.2 pg/mg), whereas unexposed nonsmokers presented significantly lower values (nic = 0.4 ng/mg, cot = 8.5 pg/mg). Nonsmokers exposed to ETS only at home presented higher values than nonsmokers only exposed in public places (nic: 1.3 vs. 0.8 ng/mg, cot: 70.4 vs. 15.0 pg/mg). The study shows the widespread exposure to ETS in this population, the importance of exposure assessment, and the relevance of hair analysis for this purpose. Results suggest that ETS can lead to equivalent exposure to active smoking and that exposure at home can highly contribute to ETS, which is not solved by smoking ban in public places. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: National comprehensive smoke-free legislation has been found to decrease the incidence of several smoking-related diseases. In 2007, Denmark introduced a national smoking ban, which banned smoking indoor in workplaces and public places, although only partial restrictions were applied in certain settings. We examined the impact of the smoking ban on smoking-related diseases and whether this differed across socioeconomic groups. Methods: Interrupted time series analyses of nationwide register data were performed using Poisson regression models to examine the differential impact of the smoking ban on monthly incidence rates of acute myocardial infarction, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and smoking-related cancers from 2002 to 2015. Immediate changes in incidence rates after the smoking ban and long-term changes in disease trends were estimated by comparing data from the pre- and post-ban period. Models were stratified by socioeconomic position. Results: Overall, we found neither immediate changes in rates of acute myocardial infarction, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and smoking-related cancers following the smoking ban nor long-term post-ban changes in disease trends as compared to before the ban. Results did not differ across socioeconomic groups. A pronounced socioeconomic gradient in incidence rates was observed for all outcomes both before and after the smoking ban. Conclusion: The national smoking ban was not associated with a lower incidence of smoking-related diseases in the post-ban period compared to pre-ban levels and no differences between socioeconomic groups were observed. Future tobacco control in Denmark should consider which measures most effectively target the low socioeconomic groups to decrease the current strong socioeconomic inequality in health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Secondhand smoke exposure causes serious health problems. Banning smoking in public venues decreases exposure to secondhand smoke. However, the implementation of smoke-free rules in a private setting (including homes) is largely voluntary. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and characteristics of voluntary smoke-free home rules in Poland during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as to identify factors associated with the voluntary implementation of smoking bans at home. Material and Methods This cross-sectional survey was conducted in March 2022 with a nationally representative sample of 1090 individuals aged ≥18 years in Poland. Data were collected using a computerassisted web interviewing (CAWI) technique. The research tool was an original questionnaire developed for the purpose of this study. Results Nationally, 60.6% of individuals had total ban on smoking in home (100% smoke-free home rules), 34.0% had implemented a partial smokefree home rule and 5.4% had not implemented any smoke-free home rules. Over three-quarters of non-smokers (76.8%) and only one-fifth of smokers (20.7%) had adopted a full smoke-free home rule. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, males (OR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.22–2.22, p < 0.01), non-smokers (OR = 13.78, 95% CI: 9.80–19.38, p < 0.001), respondents who had higher education (OR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.15–2.14, p < 0.01) as well as those who lived alone (OR = 2.44, 95% CI: 1.52–3.90, p < 0.001) had higher odds of having a 100% smoke-free home rule. Conclusions This study demonstrated the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the implementation of smoke-free home rules in Poland. Less than two-thirds of the Polish population has adopted a total smoke-free home rule, with significant gaps between smokers and nonsmokers. Information on current voluntary smoke-free rules will be useful for further implementation of the smoke-free law in Poland. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2023;36(1):84–95

Issues: We conducted a systematic review to examine whether smoking bans alone are effective in achieving smoking cessation in people released from prison, and patients discharged from mental health or substance use settings. Approach: We searched health, criminology and social science databases. Detailed search strings were used to combine terms related to smoking bans and cessation interventions in prison, mental health and substance use treatment settings. We used backward and forward snowballing and manual hand searching to find additional studies. Studies were included if they: were published between 1 January 2000 and 25 February 2022; included a complete smoking ban; measured people released from prison and/or mental health and/or substance use patients smoking post‐release/discharge from a smoke‐free facility; and reported smoking cessation intervention and/or smoking ban outcomes. Methodological quality was assessed using the Effective Public Health Practice Project's Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies and reviewed by two authors. Key Findings: People released from prison, mental health and substance use in‐patients who experience a smoking ban while incarcerated or in in‐patient settings often relapse to smoking shortly after release or discharge. We found that although smoking bans alone do not promote cessation, multi‐component interventions in combination with smoking bans can significantly increase cessation rates post‐release/discharge provided they support participants during this time. Conclusions: There is limited evidence to suggest tobacco bans alone in prison, mental health and substance use treatment settings are effective in achieving long‐term smoking cessation. This review suggests that combining smoking bans and cessation interventions including pre‐ and post‐release/discharge support can be effective in achieving smoking cessation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study assessed public support for new tobacco control measures in Poland, including a smoking ban on private balconies, regular tobacco tax increases, and a total ban on tobacco sales., Methods: A nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2024 using a computer-assisted web interview (CAWI). The 1080 adults (aged 18-82 years) were interviewed, of which 53% were females. A self-prepared questionnaire included questions on support for various tobacco control measures. The primary outcomes were levels of support for each proposed measure. Attitudes were measured using a 5-point Likert scale, and independent variables included sociodemographic factors and smoking status., Results: The smoking ban on private balconies was supported by 44.1% of respondents, with higher support among older adults, non-smokers, and those with higher education. Support for annual tobacco tax increases was 47.1%, particularly among younger and middle-aged adults, the educated, and non-smokers. A total of 41.8% of respondents declared support for the total ban on tobacco sales. Higher education, non-smoking status, and voluntary smoke-free home rules were significantly associated (p<0.05) with higher support for all three tobacco control measures. There was no significant impact (p>0.05) of the gender, financial status, household size, and location of the place of residence on public support of analyzed tobacco control measures., Conclusions: This study revealed that less than half of adults in Poland declare support for extensive tobacco regulations such as a smoking ban on private balconies, taxation increases, and a ban on tobacco sales. Educational level and smoking status are significantly associated with public attitudes toward tobacco control measures., Competing Interests: The authors have completed and submitted the ICMJE Form for disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest and none was reported., (© 2024 Grudziąż-Sękowska J et al.)

A high prevalence of smoking and low rates of smoking cessation interventions can be observed in psychiatric wards. A questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study was performed in five hospitals among 107 psychiatric ward nurses. The aim was to investigate nurses' views on patients' smoking practices and their influence on the safety of both the patients and medical personnel. In addition, we asked about the availability of smoking cessation support. Most of the respondents noticed the negative impacts of smoking on patients and medical personnel. Nearly a third of our respondents (29.0%) recalled smoking-related accidents in their facilities. In 45.2% of these accidents, a patient set someone else on fire. Around one fifth of nurses had rather permissive attitudes towards tobacco use in hospital wards. Significant associations were identified between respondents' smoking status and their opinions on amending smoking policies and on unsupervised smoking. Regarding professional help available to smoking patients, 88.8% of participants reported that interventions to address smoking were available in their wards. Psychiatric hospitalisation can be an opportunity to offer tobacco treatment to patients with mental health conditions. To make use of this opportunity, smoke-free policies need to be put in place and hospital personnel, particularly nurses, should be trained and equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to assist in the smoking care of psychiatric ward patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long‐term time‐series data show a strong negative correlation between obesity and smoking prevalence, which may not reflect the causality. Many heavy smokers claim that smoking helps them maintain a slim body and keep smoking despite the health risks. Using the Japan Household Panel Survey, this study investigates the causal effect of smoking on body shapes by exogenous variations of Japan's smoking ban in the workplace. Contrary to previous studies, our instrumental variable estimates show that smoking has no effect on body mass index, obesity and underweightness. We also construct an overidentified model to test the robustness of our results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the sensitive issue of tobacco fatwa, there is a need to promote this fatwa through a health promotion. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of health promotion by the Fatwa and Islamic Research Council of the Central Board of Muhammadiyah regarding the tobacco fatwa that bans smoking. In addition, it also focuses on the portion of health problems compared to other issues in the tobacco fatwa. This research aims (1) To analyze the effectiveness of health promotion by The Fatwa and Islamic Research Council regarding the fatwa on smoking prohibition. (2) To analyze the portion of health problems compared to other issues in the discussion of smoking prohibition fatwa by The Fatwa and Islamic Research Council. This is field research that was conducted using questionnaire and interview methods including a Focus Group Discussion and applying a qualitative and quantitative approach. The research reveals that the Fatwa and Islamic Research Council has not collaborated with related institutions in providing health promotion to its citizens. It is also revealed that the health issue has received a proportional highlight in the fatwa, but the concern is that many Muhammadiyah members are unaware about this fatwa.

Introduction Smoking inside the home affects the health of both the smoker and family members via secondhand exposure. This research examined the impact of a community participation program on creating smoke-free homes in a suburban community in Thanyaburi district, Pathumthani province in Thailand. Methods The study involved families, with a smoker in the home, that were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups each containing 27 families. The intervention group was administered with the community participation program for smoke-free homes for 5 sessions during the 6-month period of study. The program included providing information on secondhand smoking and harms, knowledge about quitting smoking and healthcare support, practice skills, campaigns in the community, visiting and encouraging, and reflecting and evaluation. The control group was normally treated by the community committee and health volunteers. Data collection was undertaken at baseline and at 6 months after implementation by an interview with questionnaires. Results Our results show that after the implementation, the intervention group reported significantly higher mean score on skills in negotiating with smokers for a smoking-ban inside home and mean score on emotional support for nonsmoking inside the home than those at baseline and those of the control group. The proportion having smoking ban home rules in the intervention group was significantly higher than at baseline and that of the control group (92.6% vs 18.5%). The proportion of smoke-free homes was higher in the intervention than in the control group (75% vs 0%). Conclusions These findings suggest that community participation programs for smoke-free home may be effective in raising awareness on the impact of secondhand smoke among family members and in working together to manage smoke-free home environments. The program may be applicable for further development within communities to achieve smoke-free homes.

Objectives It is especially difficult for hospitality workers to avoid secondhand smoke (SHS), meaning that they are likely particularly vulnerable to the effects of SHS. The authors aimed to determine the degree to which smoke-free laws protect hospitality workers from SHS exposure, by examining biochemical markers of such exposure. Material and Methods This was a cross-sectional study examining SHS exposure in non-smoking employees working in hospitality settings where smoking is prohibited or permitted. The following biomarkers were selected: cotinine and tobaccospecific nitrosamines, which are known to measure SHS exposure, and 2 representative carcinogens: 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol and 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK). The authors compared these biomarkers between 3 hospitality settings. A descriptive analysis was performed. In addition, they conducted 1-way and 2-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) to compare the biochemical markers. Results Smoking substances were identified by smoking ban levels. In the case of hair nicotine and urine cotinine, their concentrations were lower in areas with a complete smoking ban than in both areas with a separate smoking room and no smoking ban; however, there was no statistically significant difference between these. In the case of dust NNK, its level was the lowest in areas with a complete smoking ban. To confirm the smoking ban effect by hospitality settings, the authors checked the results of the 2-way ANCOVA. In karaoke and billiard halls, the dust NNK concentrations were significantly higher in areas with no smoking ban than in areas with a separate smoking room. Conclusions Exposure to SHS is more prevalent in places that are more lenient when it comes to smoking (e.g., Internet cafés) than in places that are not (e.g., restaurants and cafés), even when smoking is similarly prohibited in both types of places. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2021;34(1):53–67

Given the sensitive issue of tobacco fatwa, there is a need to promote this fatwa through a health promotion. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of health promotion by the Fatwa and Islamic Research Council of the Central Board of Muhammadiyah regarding the tobacco fatwa that bans smoking. In addition, it also focuses on the portion of health problems compared to other issues in the tobacco fatwa. This research aims (1) To analyze the effectiveness of health promotion by The Fatwa and Islamic Research Council regarding the fatwa on smoking prohibition. (2) To analyze the portion of health problems compared to other issues in the discussion of smoking prohibition fatwa by The Fatwa and Islamic Research Council. This is field research that was conducted using questionnaire and interview methods including a Focus Group Discussion and applying a qualitative and quantitative approach. The research reveals that the Fatwa and Islamic Research Council has not collaborated with related institutions in providing health promotion to its citizens. It is also revealed that the health issue has received a proportional highlight in the fatwa, but the concern is that many Muhammadiyah members are unaware about this fatwa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This study evaluates the effectiveness of a smoke- and tobacco-free campus policy by examining the volume, density, and location of discarded cigarette butts before and after the implementation of the policy. Participants: Student, staff, and faculty volunteers collected and recorded the location of discarded cigarette butts in April 2017 and October 2018. Methods: The Smoke and Tobacco Free Environment policy was effective September 1, 2017. A campus-wide collection of cigarette butts was conducted 5 months before, and 13 months after it came into effect. Results: The number of cigarette butts on campus decreased after policy implementation, especially in areas with formal enforcement. There was evidence of displacement of smoking behavior from the campus center to its periphery where parking lots and staff buildings are located. Conclusions: Formal enforcement is key to increasing the efficacy of the policy. Interventions should be directed to the locations where smoking behavior is concentrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: We aimed to investigate trends in children's exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke in England from 1998 to 2018. Methods: We used twenty-one years of data from the Health Survey for England, a yearly repeated cross-sectional population study. A total of 49,460 children participated between 1998 and 2018, of whom 17,463 were biochemically confirmed non-smokers aged 4-15. We examined changes in (i) the proportion of children living in reported smoke-free homes and (ii) second-hand smoke uptake, measured quantitatively using saliva cotinine concentration. Findings: The percentage of children living in a home reported to be smoke-free increased from 63.0% (95% CI 60.5%-65.2%) in 1998 to 93.3% (91.8%-94.6%) in 2018. This increase was most pronounced among children with a smoker parent, rising from 17.1% (14.7%-19.8%) to 75.9% (70.8%-80.4%). Segmented regression showed that the rate of adoption of smoke-free homes accelerated leading up to the 2007 ban on smoking in public places, growing most rapidly in the four years after its entry into law. Between 1998 and 2018, there was a ten-fold decline in geometric mean cotinine among non-smoking children, from 0.50 ng/ml (0.46-0.56) to 0.05 ng/ml (0.04-0.06). A total of 65.0% (61.2%-68.6%) of children had undetectable cotinine in 2018, up from 14.3% (12.7%-16.0%) in 1998. Children living in rented accommodation were more exposed than those from owner-occupied households, but they experienced similar relative declines across years. Interpretation: Cotinine data show that children's exposure to second-hand smoke has fallen by some 90% since 1998, with an apparent acceleration in adoption of smoke-free homes since the 2007 ban on smoking in public places. A norm has emerged that sees smoking in the home as inappropriate, almost universally where parents are non-smokers, but also increasingly among smoking parents. Funding: Public Health England, now the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, and Cancer Research UK.

This study aims to determine whether previous exposure to a total prison smoking ban is associated with a reduction in daily smoking postrelease and to identify the factors associated with daily tobacco use. Demographics, incarceration history, and substance use data were collected from the 2016 National Prisoner Entrants' Blood Borne Virus Survey for 389 Australian prison entrants. Predictors of daily smoking among those exposed to a smoking ban were illicit drug use and Indigenous status. No significant association was found between current daily smoking and recent exposure to a prison smoking ban, suggesting that the majority of Australian prisoners exposed to a tobacco ban while incarcerated will return to smoking once released. Complementary and culturally specific interventions supporting abstinence postrelease should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Second-hand smoke (SHS) has been shown to be associated with psychiatric distress in pregnant women spontaneously conceived (SC), but this has never been investigated in pregnant women with assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment. This study aimed to investigate and compare the associations of SHS with psychiatric distress among SC and ART pregnant women. Participants (1467 SC and 857 ART women) were from the sub-study of Chinese National Birth Cohort (CNBC) in Anhui Province. SHS was assessed by the self-reported questionnaire. The symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and poor sleep quality were assessed using CES-D, SAS, CPSS, and PSQI questionnaire. Multivariable linear regression was used to determine the association between SHS and psychiatric distress in each trimester. In SC women, SHS (yes or no) was associated with depression and anxiety symptoms in the 3rd trimester (β = 0.90, 95% CI 0.07–1.73 for depression and β = 1.21, 95% CI 0.39–2.04 for anxiety) and stress symptom and poor sleep quality in both the 2nd and 3rd trimesters (β = 0.85, 95% CI 0.20–1.49 in the 2nd trimester and β = 0.69, 95% CI 0.07–1.32 in the 3rd trimester for stress, and β = 1.32, 95% CI 0.68–1.96 in the 2nd trimester and β = 1.38, 95% CI 0.64–2.11 in the 3rd trimester for poor sleep quality). By contrast, in ART women, SHS was associated with depression and stress symptoms in the 1st trimester (β = 1.97, 95% CI 0.59–3.35 for depression and β = 1.18, 95% CI 0.24–2.12 for stress) and poor sleep quality throughout the pregnancy (β = 0.64, 95% CI 0.22–1.06 in the 1st trimester, β = 0.77, 95% CI 0.35–1.18 in the 2nd trimester, and β = 0.99, 95% CI 0.50–1.48 in the 3rd trimester, respectively). Our findings indicate a universal and detrimental effect of SHS on psychiatric health among both SC and ART pregnant women. However, the SHS impact may be more substantial at the early stage of pregnancy for ART women and at later stages for SC women. This implies the importance of reducing SHS exposure during pregnancy and the necessary to be aware of the difference in the effect of SHS on psychiatric distress between SC and ART women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study focused on the estimation of the prevalence of tobacco use among school-going students (between the age of 14 and 17 years) and to determine the relation between the extent of restrictions on smoking at home, at school, and in public places. Materials and Methods: A total of 310 school students of Lucknow aged 14–17 years were selected by the convenient sample design. A specifically designed questionnaire was used for determining the relation between the extent of restrictions on smoking at home, at school, and in public places and smoking uptake and smoking prevalence among school students. A cross-sectional survey with merged records of extent of restrictions on smoking in public places was done. The collected data were analyzed and tested for significance using the Statistical Software Package, SPSS software for windows (version 23.0). Descriptive statistics were used to measure the frequency distribution with a P value 0.05. Results: More restrictive arrangements on smoking at home were associated with a greater likelihood of being in an earlier stage of smoking uptake. Based on the questionnaire on the tobacco restriction, 93.9% admitted to having complete restriction on smoking at home, 42.1% had school ban, and 42.1% had strong school ban, whereas 57.9% had no or weak ban 97.7% of the participants followed the restriction on smoking at the public places (P value 0.001). Conclusion: The restrictions at home and public places and enforced bans in schools have a protective effect on teenage smoking.

Morbidity and mortality associated with tobacco use pose a serious health challenge worldwide, especially in low- and middle-income countries, including Malaysia. This empirical study examined how six major Malaysian newspapers presented a no-smoking policy issue using two key dimensions of framing: story theme and tone of coverage. The content analysis (N = 820 articles) revealed that the no-smoking policy was primarily depicted as a law enforcement issue rather than health effects, economic impact, or individual choice. Overall, no-smoking stories were described using a positive tone. Whereas mainstream media often presented a favourable view of the issue, alternative media were more likely to present it in a neutral and balanced manner. The findings of this study can help policymakers to comprehend the complexities surrounding the challenges of developing and sustaining public health policies, and more importantly, the importance of pursuing a policy devoid of partisan sentiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION Workplaces are important settings for implementation of smoke-free environments. In this study, we follow a medical production company with 677 employees that implemented one of the most stringent tobacco policies legally possible in Denmark - smoke-free work hours - which means that employees are not allowed to smoke during work time. This study explores tobacco use restrictions during work hours regarding readiness of implementation, focusing specifically on middle managers' perceptions and considerations, as well as their perceived responsibility in enforcing these. METHODS A case study is presented. Two focus groups of 10 middle managers were conducted, seven months before smoke-free work hours were implemented. The facilitators used open-ended questions, which consisted of a structured section with specific themes related to the implementation of smoke-free work hours. Focus groups were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed thematically. RESULTS We identified five main themes: 1) Benefits of the new policy due to better health, lower sickness-related absences, increased productivity, and improved branding value; 2) Social interactions across smoking status; 3) Smoking is a private matter with ethical dimensions; 4) The role of middle managers and concerns about enforcement; and 5) Limited experience with resistance from the smoking employees. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that workplaces in the preparation phase should ensure that: 1) The middle managers gain training on how to talk with employees about smoking cessation; 2) The middle managers are equipped to handle the new policy and have a joint vision and understanding of why and how they should enforce it; and 3) Room is made for discussions on resistance and enforcementrelated challenges as well as ethical issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The current study employed socio-demographic, health and lifestyle, and academic variables to assess the prevalence and independent predictors of daily smoking, attempts to quit smoking, and agreement with total smoking ban at university.Methods: Students at the University of Turku (1,177) completed an online questionnaire that assessed socio-demographic, health and lifestyle, and academic characteristics, and three smoking variables (smoking, attempts to quit, agreement with total smoking ban at university). Bivariate relationships and multiple logistic regression assessed relationships between student characteristics and the three smoking variables before and after controlling for all other variables.Results: Slightly < 80% of students never smoked, 16% were occasional, and about 6% were daily smokers, and about 40% had attempted to quit. Nearly half the sample agreed to total smoking ban at university. Physical activity, consuming alcohol, illicit drug/s use and daily smoking were significant independent predictors across > 1 of the three smoking variables. Age, health awareness, importance of achieving good grades, academic performance compared to peers, study burden, and mother's educational level were significant independent predictors of one of the three variables examined.Conclusion: Universities need to assess smoking, with specific focus on the modifiable independent predictors that were associated with > 1 the variables examined, to encourage physical activity and pay attention to reduce alcohol consumption and illicit drug/s and daily smoking, whilst targeting at-risk students. University strategies should be part of the wider country-wide effective tobacco control policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tobacco consumption in China remains the primary cause of preventable mortality, with Shanghai being particularly affected by issues related to secondhand smoke exposure. This study explores the role of the public service hotline 12345, a grassroots initiative in Shanghai, in capturing public sentiment and assessing the effectiveness of anti-smoking regulations. Our research aims to accurately and deeply understand the implementation and feedback of smoking control policies: by identifying high-frequency points and prominent issues in smoking control work based on the smoking control work order data received by the health hotline 12320. The results of this study will assist government enforcement agencies in improving smoking monitoring and clarify the direction for improving smoking control measures. Text-mining techniques were employed to analyze a dataset comprising 78011 call sheets, all related to tobacco control and collected from the hotline between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2019. This methodological approach aims to uncover prevalent themes and sentiments in the public discourse on smoking and its regulation, as reflected in the hotline interactions. Our study identified hotspots and the issues of greatest concern to citizens. Additionally, it provided recommendations to enforcement agencies to enhance their capabilities, optimize the allocation of human resources for smoking control monitoring, reduce enforcement costs and support for anti-smoking campaigns, thereby contributing to more effective tobacco control policies in the region., Competing Interests: The authors have completed and submitted the ICMJE Form for Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest and none was reported., (© 2024 Zhao T. et al.)

Introduction The aim of the study is to assess the national level of compliance with the Chilean smoke-free legislation in the urban public transportation system. Material and Methods In this cross-sectional observational study, we studied a national representative sample of 475 vehicles obtained through a two-stage cluster sampling design in 2018. First, 57 municipalities were randomly selected, proportionally to the total number of public transportation vehicles. Second, within each municipality, a convenience sample of up to 4 taxis, 4 buses, and 2 metro coaches was observed. We determined the non-compliance level by systematic direct observation of smoking inside the cabin of the vehicle. We estimated the percentage of the visited vehicles where smoking was observed inside the cabin of the vehicle. Results The observation of metros, buses and taxis was completed in 24, 52, and 48, of the 57 sampled municipalities, respectively. Smoking was observed inside of about 2% of buses and 7% of taxis. Smoking was not observed in metro carriages. Overall, smoking was observed in almost 3% of the vehicles studied. A 3% noncompliance could expose a significant number of persons in public transportation to secondhand smoke, given that every 100 inhabitants results in about 84 rides a day of almost one hour duration. There are few comparable studies to put in an international context our results. In 2018, the year in which we collected the data, WHO considered that compliance with the law in public transportation was maximum. Our compliance estimate was lower, however WHO used a different methodology and its scope also included the inter-urban mobility, which we did not. Conclusions The study highlights the need to improve the enforcement of the smoke-free law in the transportation system in Chile, which presently is almost non-existent.

Abstract Background The objective of this study is to evaluate the risk of exposure to second hand smoke (SHS) during working hours by job status and occupation. Methods Using the 4th Korean Working Conditions Survey (KWCS), 49,674 respondents who answered the question about SHS were studied. A chi-square test was carried out to determine whether there is a significant different in SHS exposure frequency by general and occupational characteristics and experience of discrimination at work and logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify the risk level of SHS exposure by variables. Results In this study, we found that male workers in their 40s and 50s, workers employed in workplaces with fewer than 50 employees, daily workers, and people working outdoors had a higher rate of exposure to SHS than the others. The top five occupations with the highest SHS exposure were construction and mining-related occupations, metal core-makers-related trade occupations, wood and furniture, musical instrument, and signboard-related trade occupations, transport and machine-related trade occupations, transport and leisure services occupations. The least five exposed occupations were public and enterprise senior officers, legal and administrative professions, education professionals, and health, social welfare, and religion-related occupations. Conclusion Tobacco smoke is a significant occupational hazard. Smoking ban policy in the workplace can be a very effective way to reduce the SHS exposure rate in the workplace and can be more effective if specifically designed by the job status and various occupations.

Abstract Background A comprehensive smoke-free air law was enacted on June 1, 2012 in most of Marion County, Indiana, including all of the City of Indianapolis. We evaluated changes in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) admission rates in Indianapolis and Marion County before compared to after the law. Methods We collected AMI admissions from five Marion County hospitals between May 2007 and December 2014. We used Poisson regression to evaluate the overall effects of the law on monthly AMI hospitalizations, adjusting for month, seasonality, meteorology, air pollution, and hospital utilization. We tested the interactions between the law and AMI risk factors on monthly AMI admission rates to identify subpopulations for which the effects might be stronger. Results Monthly AMI admissions declined 20% (95% CI 14–25%) in Marion County and 25% (95% CI 20–29%) in Indianapolis after the law was implemented. We observed decreases among never (21%, 95% CI 13–29%), former (28%, 95% CI 21–34%), and current smokers (26%, 95% CI 11–38%); Medicaid beneficiaries (19%, 95% CI 9–29%) and non-beneficiaries (26%, 95% CI 20–31%). We observed decreases among those with a history of diabetes (Yes: 22%, 95% CI 14–29%; No: 25%, 95% CI 18–31%), congestive heart failure (Yes: 23%, 95% CI 16–30%; No: 24%, 95% CI 17–31%), and hypertension (Yes: 23%, 95% CI 17–28%: No: 26%, 95% CI 15–36%). Conclusions We observed decreases in AMI admissions comparable with previous studies. We identified subpopulations who benefitted from the law, such as former and current smokers, and those without comorbidities such as congestive heart failure and hypertension.

Background: In Italy, an anti-smoking law was issued in 2003, with the aim of reducing tobacco smoking inside public places. Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the observance of the smoking ban in Italy, during the period 2010-2014, in several workplaces and to evaluate the perception of workers, both smokers and non-smokers, on this issue. Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed data resulting from a self-administered questionnaires in 59 companies, from several working sectors (transport, healthcare and building), in the Latium Region in Italy. Results: Out of 7200 questionnaires, 6996 were included in the analysis: 43.7% of the employees think that the smoking ban is respected in the workplace; women are more prone to think that the ban is not observed. Smokers tend to perceive the ban to be respected (AOR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.62-0.77) while non-smokers feel more exposed to second-hand smoke (AOR: 1.57; 95% CI: 1.39-1.77). Workers in intellectual and highly specialized professions (AOR: 1.63; 95% CI: 1.25-2.13), technical professions (AOR: 1.64; 95% CI: 1.28-2.10) and craftsmen, skilled workers and farmers (AOR: 1.42; 95% CI: 1.09-1.85) tend to perceive the smoking ban not to be observed and the last two classes are the ones who feel the most exposed to second-hand smoke (AOR: 6.68; 95% CI: 0.50-0.90; AOR: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.38-0.70). Discussion: The results of this study can be used as a starting point for the implementation of new strategies to reduce tobacco addiction, beginning from the compliance with the ban on smoking in the workplace and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To investigate to what extent the adoption of local smoke‐free policies (SFPs) in Indonesia in 2007–13 was associated with changes in adult smoking behaviour. Design A quasi‐experimental study. Setting: Indonesia, 2007 and 2013. Participants: A total of 1 052 611 > 25‐year‐old adults. Data were derived from the 2007 and 2013 Indonesian national health survey. Measurements For both years, provincial and district SFPs were identified from government documents in 497 districts in 33 provinces. Multi‐level logistic regression analysis assessed the association of adoption of provincial and district SFPs between 2007 and 2013 with smoking continuation (among ever‐smokers), current smoking and high smoking intensity (among current smokers). We controlled for survey year, SFP in 2007, socio‐demographics and district characteristics. Findings Provincial SFP exposure was associated with lower odds of smoking continuation [strong SFP versus no SFP: odds ratio (OR) = 0.71, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.66–0.76] and smoking intensity (strong SFP: OR= 0.91, 95% CI = 0.86–0.97), but also with higher odds of current smoking (strong SFP versus no SFP: OR = 1.08; 95% CI = 1.04–1.12). District SFP exposure was associated with higher odds of smoking continuation (strong SFP versus no SFP: OR = 1.07, 95% CI = 1.01–1.14) and current smoking (strong SFP versus no SFP: OR = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.05–1.14), but with lower odds of smoking intensity (moderately strong SFP versus no SFP: OR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.91–0.99). Conclusions: There may be an association between the adoption of local smoke‐free policies in Indonesia and decreased adult smoking intensity. However, the evidence is inconsistent, which may reflect problems with policy implementation and enforcement, [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION The aim of the study is to assess the national level of compliance with the Chilean smoke-free legislation in the urban public transportation system. METHODS In this cross-sectional observational study, we studied a national representative sample of 475 vehicles obtained through a two-stage cluster sampling design in 2018. First, 57 municipalities were randomly selected, proportionally to the total number of public transportation vehicles. Second, within each municipality, a convenience sample of up to 4 taxis, 4 buses, and 2 metro coaches was observed. We determined the non-compliance level by systematic direct observation of smoking inside the cabin of the vehicle. We estimated the percentage of the visited vehicles where smoking was observed inside the cabin of the vehicle. RESULTS The observation of metros, buses and taxis was completed in 24, 52, and 48, of the 57 sampled municipalities, respectively. Smoking was observed inside of about 2% of buses and 7% of taxis. Smoking was not observed in metro carriages. Overall, smoking was observed in almost 3% of the vehicles studied. A 3% noncompliance could expose a significant number of persons in public transportation to secondhand smoke, given that every 100 inhabitants results in about 84 rides a day of almost one hour duration. There are few comparable studies to put in an international context our results. In 2018, the year in which we collected the data, WHO considered that compliance with the law in public transportation was maximum. Our compliance estimate was lower, however WHO used a different methodology and its scope also included the inter-urban mobility, which we did not. CONCLUSIONS The study highlights the need to improve the enforcement of the smoke-free law in the transportation system in Chile, which presently is almost non-existent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate changes in compliance with a smoke-free outdoor seating policy before and after passage of a local regulation in 2015, which reinterpreted Philadelphia's Clean Indoor Air Worker Protection Law to include outdoor seating areas of food or beverage establishments.Design: Natural experiment.Setting: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.Sample: Food or beverage establishments (N = 108). Establishments were comprised of sit-down restaurants, cafes, quick-service restaurants, and bars.Measures: Presence of outdoor smoking and smoking-related litter on a given day were measured as binary variables. A geographic information system-based survey developed for this study was used to collect observational data.Analysis: Logistic regressions were used to determine the change in odds of observing outdoor smoking and smoking-related litter on a given day from baseline (preregulation) to follow-up (postregulation).Results: Compliance with smoke-free outdoor seating increased from 84.5% to 95.4% after passage and implementation of the regulation. Results showed a significant 75% decrease (odds ratio [OR]: = 0.25, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.08-0.67) in odds of outdoor smoking and a slight decrease in smoking-related litter (OR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.39-1.65) at follow-up in establishments overall. However, at baseline, bars had higher odds of outdoor smoking (OR: 2.68, 95% CI: 0.57-12.72) and smoking-related litter (OR: 4.09, 95% CI:, 1.87-9.49) compared to sit-down restaurants.Conclusion: Results suggest there is high compliance with low-cost, low-burden, smoke-free outdoor seating policy and that enforcement is best targeted toward bars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract As evidence of the negative effects of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) has mounted, an increasingly popular public policy response has been to impose restrictions on smoking through 100 percent smoke-free bans (comprehensive smoking bans). Yet sparse information exists regarding the impact these smoking bans at the state and local levels have on the health of children and infants. A rationale for expansion of smoke-free laws implicitly presumes that potential public health gains from reducing adult cigarette consumption and declines in adult ETS exposure extend to children. However, if smokers compensate by shifting their consumption of cigarettes from public venues that impose a comprehensive smoking ban to smoking at home, then these policies may have a harmful effect on children and infants. This study provides estimates of how comprehensive smoking bans impact the venue of smoking, and the health of children and infants. Using models that exploit state- and county-level changes to smoking ban legislation over time, estimates suggest that smoking bans have improved the health of both infants and children, mainly through implementation of more comprehensive bans. Further, we find no evidence of displacement among smokers (both smokers with and without children in the household), and actually find that the bans had a positive spillover effect in terms of reducing smoking inside the home—an effect that may further explain the improvement in infants' and children's health. Our effect magnitudes imply that expanding comprehensive coverage from 60 percent (current level) to 100 percent of the population can prevent between approximately 1,110 and 1,750 low birth weight births among low-educated mothers, resulting in economic cost savings of about $71–111 million annually. Health improvements among older children add to these economic benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The socio-structural barriers for reducing secondhand smoke exposure (SHSe) among children with asthma may be insurmountable for low-income caregivers. Health promoting financial incentives (HPFIs) are increasingly being used in the adult population to motivate and sustain tobacco-reduction behaviors. We assessed barriers to SHSe reduction and means to overcome them through the design of an HPFI-based, caregiver-targeted SHSe reduction study. Methods: Using a mixed-methods design, we conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews among low-income primary caregivers of children with asthma residing in Baltimore City. Quantitative data using an online survey were used to augment interview findings. Results: Home smoking restrictions were a frequently referenced strategy for decreasing SHSe, but interviewees (n = 22) described the complex social pressures that undermine reduction efforts. Caregivers redirected conversations from broadly implemented smoking bans towards targeted reduction strategies among mothers and members of their social network who are active smokers. Participants converged on the notion that sustainable SHSe reduction strategies are realizable only for mothers who are active smokers, possess high self-efficacy and social structures that promote cessation. Survey data (n = 56) clarified the multiple contexts that underlie pediatric SHSe and preferred HPFI architecture that included fixed, recurrent payments contingent on reduced nicotine biomarkers and completion of basic asthma education classes. Conclusions: Based on the combined analyses, we envision testing a HPFI-based study design whose optimal target population included low-income caregivers and members of their social network where incentives are tied to pediatric biomarkers and asthma education—an integrated approach that has not yet been used in pediatric tobacco studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction The Smoking Control Regulation in Public Places (hereafter, the ‘regulations’) has been implemented in Shanghai since 2010. This study explores the changes in smoking prevalence and its influencing factors among urban Shanghai residents. Methods Two rounds of household investigations (the Health Status and Health Service Utilization Survey) were carried out using a multistage probability proportionate-to-size sampling method in an urbanized district in 2010 and 2015. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were applied to the statistics. Results From 2010 to 2015, the standardized current smoking rate fell from 24.8% to 19.1% (38.3% to 32.0% among men, and 1.9% to 1.4% among women). Meanwhile, the standardized smoking cessation rate increased from 18.1% to 23.3%. Smoking prevalence in respondents aged 45 to 59 years was still higher than that of other age groups. Changes in smoking prevalence and cessation rates were more obvious in respondents aged 30–44 and over 75 years. Sex, age, education, marital status, and alcohol use were influencing factors of current smoking, while sex, age and alcohol use were influencing factors of smoking cessation. Conclusions The implementation of smoking control regulations may be beneficial for reducing smoking and increasing smoking cessation, especially among middle-aged and older men. Nevertheless, tobacco control in urban Shanghai still faces huge challenges. Therefore, more targeted and comprehensive measures should be taken.

Objectives: More and more countries introduce a total ban on smoking tobacco in public places. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effectiveness of “The Act of 8 April 2010 on amendment of the act on protection of health against the consequences of consumption of tobacco and tobacco products and act on National Sanitary Inspectorate” and assess the frequency of complying with the smoking bans by the students of the Medical University of Lodz, Poland. Material and Methods: Between 2007–2011, at the Social Medicine Institute of the Medical University of Lodz, a study using random survey was carried out involving students who were starting their studies at the Health Department of the Medical University of Lodz. The analysis of the collected material showed that 1038 people reported being smokers at the time of the study. Among that group, 530 students were included in the study prior to, and 508 after the introduction of the amendment. In order to verify their compliance with the smoking ban, the respondents were asked whether they smoked only in designated areas or wherever they wanted to. Results: The ratio of people claiming they smoked anywhere they wanted to, disregarding the smoking ban, was 60% (N = 318) and after the amendment had been introduced, this ratio was 62.2% (N = 316), it increased by 2.2 percentage points. The observed difference was statistically irrelevant (Chi2 = 0.530, p > 0.05). Conclusions: The Act ”On amendment of the act on protection of health against the consequences of consumption of tobacco and tobacco products and Act on National Sanitary Inspectorate” in Poland did not result in the expected changes in the frequency of complying with the smoking ban by the 1st year students.

This study evaluated the effects of partial and complete island-wide smoking bans on perinatal outcomes in Taiwan. Trends were determined in the yearly prevalence rates for preterm births and low birth weight (LBW) for a 1978 to 1997 pre-ban period, a 1998 to 2008 Phase 1 partial ban period, and a 2009 to 2016 Phase 2 complete ban period. Poisson regression with a yearly time-series model was employed to determine alterations in trends in prevalence rates for preterm births and LBW. Compared with pre-ban period, the rate ratio (RR) for Phase 1 preterm births was 0.969 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.968-0.971) and Phase 2 0.995 (95% CI = 0.992-0.998). The Phase 1 RR LBW fell 0.4% (95% CI = 0.2%-0.5%), but Phase 2 RR rose 1.7% (95% CI = 1.4%-2.1%). Data indicated that the risk of preterm births and LBW in Taiwan was reduced significantly after implementation of the smoking ban. These findings are in agreement with growing evidence suggesting that smoke-free legislation exerted a beneficial health effect on pregnant women and their newborn infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper evaluates the causal effect of environmental tobacco exposure on health by exploiting the time and geographical variation in public-place smoking bans implemented in Switzerland between 2007 and 2011. We use administrative data on hospitalizations for acute myocardial infarction, which allow to measure the short-run effects of the policy on an objective metric of health. We show that the incidence of acute myocardial infarction decreases by approximately 8% immediately after implementation of the law with large heterogeneity across regions. Our results indicate that the policy was effective in reducing the negative externality of smoking with potential spillovers on health inequality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2012, smoking restrictions were extended to hospitality venues in Hungary. Women working in bars and restaurants were primarily affected by the intervention. In this research, we analyze the effect of this smoking ban on the outcomes of their pregnancies. Using individual live birth, fetal loss, and infant mortality registry data, we examine the probability of live birth, indicators of health at birth, and the probability of death in the first year of life. We apply a difference-in-differences framework and show that the smoking ban has improved health at birth. We observed birth weight to increase by 56 g (95% CI: 4.2 to 106.8) and gestation length by 0.19 weeks (95% CI: 0.02 to 0.36). Due to the ban, the probability of being born with very low and low birth weight has decreased by 1.2 and 2.2 percentage points, respectively (95% CI: −0.2 to −2.2 and 0.06 to −4.4), and we see a 0.9 percentage points reduction in the chance of being born very preterm (95% CI: −0.03 to −1.9). We also observe a decrease in the probability of being born with a low Ponderal index (decrease of 4.1 percentage points, 95% CI: −0.7 to −7.5). Performing a series of robustness and placebo tests, we provide evidence that supports the causal interpretation of our results. We also show that the ban was more beneficial for newborns of parents with low educational attainment and at the bottom of the fetal health endowment distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Española de Cardiología (18855857) is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

OBJECTIVES: After signing and approving the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), Turkey amended laws on tobacco control in 2008 and also expanded the smoking ban in 2013 to include drivers in all vehicles. Four years later, this amendment does not seem as effective. The aim of this study was to observe violation of the law by the drivers and to analyze the association between gender of the driver, type of the vehicle, approximate age group definition of the passenger (either child or adult), and the law violation in two streets in Konak district, İzmir, Turkey. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, two observer teams were located in two different busy streets on the same afternoon and they collected data on the violation of the law, gender of the driver, approximate age group definition of the passengers (either adult or child), and type of the vehicle (special, taxi, or other commercial). Logistic regression for the violation of the law was conducted. RESULTS: Law violation prevalence is 7.2%. In univariate analysis, the gender of the driver and having at least one child as a passenger were associated with the violation of the law. In multivariate analysis, not having children increases (OR: 8.4) the risk of the violation of the law. CONCLUSION: The violation of the law was high, but the drivers seemed to be aware of the harms of smoking by looking at the increased risk of the violation in vehicles, in which no child was carried as passengers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of anti-smoking legislation in public places and public support for smoking ban. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in public places such as market, bus/railway station, workplaces and hospitals in Udaipur, India. Informed consent was obtained. The questionnaire comprised of details about their agreement with the current anti-smoking legislation and their views on the support for smoking ban in public places. Findings: The study was conducted among 314 individuals of whom 255 (81.2%) supported the general ban on smoking in public places. Non-smokers (54.4%) agreed more than smokers that the introduction of legislation would create healthier environment (P < 0.001), second hand smoke is serious threat to health (P < 0.001), more implementation needed for current antismoking legislation (P < 0.001). Smokers (45.5%) agreed more than non-smokers that everyone has the right to smoke in public places (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Local support for a ban on smoking in public places in Udaipur is high. But there is a lack of enforcing mechanism in support of the legislation and hence complete smoking ban along with strong enforcement may provide better results.

Aim: To compare air nicotine levels in public places in Ahmedabad, India, before (June 2008) and after (January, 2010) the implementation of a comprehensive smoking ban which was introduced in October 2008. Materials and Methods: Air nicotine concentrations were measured by sampling of vapor-phase nicotine using passive monitors. In 2008 (baseline), monitors were placed for 5-7 working days in 5 hospitals, 10 restaurants, 5 schools, 5 government buildings, and 10 entertainment venues, of which 6 were hookah bars. In 2010 (follow-up), monitors were placed in 35 similar venues for the same duration. Results: Comparison of the overall median nicotine concentration at baseline (2008) (0.06 μg/m 3 Interquartile range (IQR): 0.02-0.22) to that of follow-up (2010) (0.03 μg/m 3 IQR: 0.00-0.13), reflects a significant decline (% decline = 39.7, P = 0.012) in exposure to second-hand smoke (SHS). The percent change in exposure varied by venue-type. The most significant decrease occurred in hospitals, from 0.04 μg/m [3] at baseline to concentrations under the limit of detection at follow-up (%decline = 100, P < 0.001). In entertainment venues, government offices, and restaurants, decreases in SHS exposure also appeared evident. However, in hookah bars, air nicotine levels appeared to increase (P = 0.160). Conclusion: Overall, SHS exposure was significantly reduced in public places after the smoke-free legislation came into force. However, nicotine concentrations were still detected in most of the venues indicating imperfect compliance with the comprehensive ban.