Impact of national smoke-free legislation on home smoking bans: findings from the International Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation Project Europe Surveys

Abstract

Objectives To measure changes in prevalence and predictors of home smoking bans (HSB) among smokers in four European countries after the implementation of national smoke-free legislation. Design Two waves of the International Tobacco Control (ITC) Policy Evaluation Project Europe Surveys, which is a prospective panel study. Pre- and post-legislation data was used from Ireland, France, Germany, and the Netherlands. Two pre-legislation waves from UK were used as control. Participants 4,634 respondents from the intervention countries and 1,080 from the control country completed both baseline and follow-up, and were included in the present analyses. Methods Multiple logistic regression models to identify predictors of having or of adopting a total HSB, and Generalised Estimating Equation (GEE) models to compare patterns of change after implementation of smoke-free legislation to a control country without such legislation. Results Most smokers had at least partial smoking restrictions in their home, but the proportions varied significantly between countries. After implementation of national smoke-free legislation, the proportion of smokers with a total HSB increased significantly in all four countries. Among continuing smokers the number of cigarettes smoked per day either remained stable or decreased significantly. Multiple logistic regression models indicated that having a young child in the household and supporting smoking bans in bars were important correlates of having a pre-legislation HSB. Prospective predictors of imposing a HSB between survey waves were planning to quit smoking, supporting a total smoking ban in bars, and the birth of a child. GEE models indicated that the change in total HSB in the intervention countries was greater than in the control country. Conclusions The findings suggest that smoke-free legislation does not lead to more smoking in smokers’ homes. On the contrary, our findings demonstrate that smoke-free legislation may stimulate smokers to establish total smoking bans in their homes.

Hospital Admissions for Childhood Asthma After Smoke-Free Legislation in England

“…8 These findings are consistent with evidence that SHS exposure increases the incidence and severity of childhood asthma 9 and that smokefree legislation is associated with reductions in SHS exposure in the home. 10,11 This study examines whether the implementation of smoke-free legislation in England on July 1, 2007, covering virtually all enclosed public places and workplaces, was associated with a change in hospital admissions for childhood asthma. Because some studies suggest that this legislation may be associated with lower reductions in SHS exposure in poorer households, 12 we also examine whether changes in asthma admissions differed by socioeconomic status (SES).…”

Effects of Enactment of Legislative (Public) Smoking Bans on Voluntary Home Smoking Restrictions: A Review

“…2,22,23,29,[34][35][36][37][38][39][40] Nevertheless, some findings suggest that smoking bans may have negative repercussions. 4,41,42 The relationships between private and public spaces with regard to smoking bans and behavior have been found to be complex and have been said to "demand[] more consideration if interventions in public areas are meant to serve as catalysts for favorable changes in primary private spaces such as homes."…”

“…7 Social diffusion posits that restricting smoking in public spaces leads to increases in voluntary home smoking bans or restrictions. 22,23 This theoretical model encompasses ideas such as social norm and behavioral susceptibility theories. [24][25][26] Social norms influence social behavior through perceptions of what is "normal" or "typical."…”

Students' Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Smoke-Free Universities: Changes Since Enactment of Vietnamese Tobacco Control Legislation

“…It creates a supportive environment for smokers to quit or reduce smoking (Hahn et al, 2008;Ritchie et al, 2010), while it does not have any negative impact on business and doesn't increase smoking at home (Corsun et al, 1996;Lal et al, 2004;Mons et al, 2012 Vietnam is one of the 15 countries in the world with the highest prevalence of male smokers (47.4%), while only 1.4% of females are smokers (MOH, 2010). Apart from the direct use of tobacco products, secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure is also a significant issue, with more than 33 million adults exposed to SHS at home, and around 38 million exposed to SHS in workplaces (MOH, 2010).…”