Adherence to smoke-free policies in Ghana: Findings from a cross-sectional survey of hospitality venue owners and staff

Second-Hand Tobacco Smoke Exposure and Smoke-Free Environments in Ethiopia: A Scoping Review and Narrative Synthesis

“…The presence of cigarette sales within the vicinity, fear of conflict with clients, and fear of losing clients and revenue (in hospitality venues) also seem to play a part in non-compliance. Sub-optimal levels of compliance with smoke-free policies within hospitality venues have also been observed in other African countries [ 30 , 31 , 32 ]. In Ghana and Uganda, poor knowledge of the smoke-free legislation among hospitality venue staff was also reported [ 31 , 33 ].…”

“…In Ghana and Uganda, poor knowledge of the smoke-free legislation among hospitality venue staff was also reported [ 31 , 33 ]. Nevertheless, in a number of countries, including in Nigeria and Ghana, the attitude towards smoke-free laws among hospitality staff has been found to be generally positive [ 31 , 34 , 35 , 36 ], although the fear of revenue reductions seems to be a consistent finding within these venues [ 35 , 36 ].…”

Barriers and opportunities for improving smoke-free area implementation in Banda Aceh city, Indonesia: a qualitative study

“…The campaign should be conducted by public health professionals (under local governments’ coordination) in collaboration with Islamic figures (mosque imams, religious leaders, adat stakeholders and other respected figures (eg, keuchiks/village heads)), and focus on various topics including campaigning on the health risks of cigarette smoking to encourage people to stop smoking. In fact, scientific evidence has shown that the harmful effects of tobacco are not only for the users but also those who are exposed to SHS with no risk-free level ever documented 34 62. Various public health problems are caused by SHS in adults (eg, heart diseases, lung carcinoma and stroke), and in children and infants (eg, severe asthma attacks, respiratory and ear infections, and sudden infant death syndrome) 24.…”

“…Further, to enhance the effectiveness of communication of the SFA qanuns to communities and other involved government actors/agencies, the Aceh government should learn from the Ashanti region in Ghana that communicated smoke-free legislation to communities using radio and television broadcasts. Based on research results conducted in Ghana in 2020, 72% (representing the highest percentage) of the total population in the Ashanti region had noticed the SFA regulation dissemination through radio and television advertising 34. Hence, radio and television are the most effective and recommended media by the WHO to spread information related to anti-tobacco campaigns including SFAs’ public communication and implementation, because these media are inexpensive and have wider coverage in many countries, including low-income and middle-income nations 63 64…”

“…According to Owusu-Dabo et al ,30 smoke-free regulations and awareness of health risks associated with smoking were strongly connected to values and beliefs of certain religions (particularly Muslims and Christians), due to the fact that smoking is not in favour with both religions 30–33. The religious values and beliefs play a significant role in determining specific attitudes toward smoking, and hence to reduce tobacco smoke prevalence 34. Research in Ghana found that 97% of Ghanaians (mainly Muslims and Christians) supported comprehensive SFA regulations, and 76% of smokers had tried to quit smoking in the last 6 months 30.…”