Smoking in urban outdoor public places: Behaviour, experiences, and implications for public health

Kaufman, Pamela; Griffin, Kara; Cohen, Joanna E.; Perkins, Nathan; Ferrence, Roberta

doi:10.1016/j.healthplace.2010.05.012

Cited by 38 publications

(36 citation statements)

References 20 publications

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“…This study did not incorporate smoking at building entrances, or in transit (walking), or that could be seen through windows or on balconies. Studies indicate that entrance areas are important sites of smoking [16]. As such, the visibility of smoking found will be an underestimate of total visible smoking in the CBD.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Measuring visual exposure to smoking behaviours: a viewshed analysis of smoking at outdoor bars and cafés across a capital city’s downtown area

2014

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BackgroundThe influence of visual exposure to health-related behaviours, such as smoking, is increasingly acknowledged in the public health literature. Social contagion or normalisation is thought to operate through the visibility of those behaviours. There has been a lack of systematic and comprehensive approaches to quantifying visual exposure to these behaviours over a relatively large geographic area. We describe the novel application of a geographic tool, viewshed analysis, to estimate visual exposure to smoking outside bars/cafés across a downtown area.MethodsSmoking was observed for different times and days of the week at 14 outdoor areas of bars/cafés throughout downtown Wellington, New Zealand. We used these data to extrapolate to other bars/cafés with outdoor seating. We then conducted viewshed analyses to estimate visual exposure to smoking at bars/cafés for all public outdoor spaces.ResultsWe observed a smoking point prevalence of 16%. Visibility analyses indicated that estimated visible smoking was highest in the evenings (7-8 pm), where the average values across Wednesday and Friday ranged from zero up to 92 visible smokers (mean = 1.44). Estimated visible smoking at midday ranged from zero to 13 (mean = 0.27). Values were also higher at the end of the week compared with midweek in the evening. Maps indicate that streets with high levels of retail shops and hospitality areas had high values of estimated visible smokers, particularly in the evening where numbers were consistently above 50.ConclusionsThis paper highlights a useful method for measuring the extent of visual exposure to smoking behaviours across relatively large areas using a geospatial approach. Applying this method in other locations would require consideration of place-specific characteristics which impact on visibility and could be improved through more sophisticated extrapolation of observational data across the study area. The findings of this and similar research could ultimately support the expansion of smokefree public spaces.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Measuring visual exposure to smoking behaviours: a viewshed analysis of smoking at outdoor bars and cafés across a capital city’s downtown area

2014

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“…In a recent observational study of smoking behaviours in outdoor spaces in Toronto, Canada, Kaufman et al 16 found poor compliance with regulations prohibiting smoking proximal to building entrances. Similar to the study by Kaufman et al, our current study findings suggest that although the introduction of smokefree regulations is associated with the reduction in the number of smokers in such venues, they may not completely extinguish the behaviour.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…We collected observation data 2 weeks prior to the bylaw coming into effect (14)(15) Observation protocol For each venue, research team members monitored the frequency and location of smoking during a 30 min time period, based on adaptations to a protocol developed by Kaufman et al 16 Maps comprising aerial orthophotographic images of each venue were printed before each observation time period and team members were trained on conducting observations at the specified venues prior to the actual study observation time. We limited observation periods to afternoons and evenings on weekends (Friday-Sunday) when greater use of these outdoor venues was anticipated.…”

Section: Observation Venuesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Changes in smoking behaviours following a smokefree legislation in parks and on beaches: an observational study

et al. 2013

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ObjectiveTo examine the effect of an outdoor smokefree law in parks and on beaches on observed smoking in selected venues.MethodsThe study involved repeated observations in selected parks and beaches in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The main outcome measure was changes in observed smoking rates in selected venues from prelaw to 12 months postlaw.ResultsNo venue was 100% smokefree at the 12-month postlaw observation time point. There was a significant decrease in observed smoking rates in all venues from prelaw to 12-month postlaw (prelaw mean smoking rate=20.5 vs 12-month mean smoking rate=4.7, p=0.04). In stratified analysis by venue, the differences between the prelaw and 12-month smoking rates decreased significantly in parks (prelaw mean smoking rate=37.1 vs 12-month mean smoking rate=6.5, p=0.01) but not in beaches (prelaw mean smoking rate=2.9 vs 12-month mean smoking rate=1.0, p=0.1).ConclusionsSmokefree policies in outdoor recreational venues have the potential to decrease smoking in these venues. The effectiveness of such policies may differ by the type and usage of the venue; for instance, compliance may be better in venues that are used more often and have enforcement. Future studies may further explore factors that limit and foster the enforcement of such policies in parks and beaches.

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“…Weather influences smoking behaviour, with smokers typically standing closer to building entrances in inclement weather (eg, wind, rain, cold), and seeking more exposed spaces to smoke when the weather is pleasant 37. Our measurements were taken during milder months of the year (May and June), when temperatures varied from 8.8°C to 30.3°C (47.8°F to 86.5°F), and likely underestimate the numbers of smokers and levels of PM 2.5 at these sites during colder months.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, such restrictions may move smoking to other outdoor locations, such as sidewalks, and continue to expose passers by 37. Further research on the impact of outdoor smoking restrictions on smoking behaviour would help to anticipate and plan for unintended consequences.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Not just ‘a few wisps’: real-time measurement of tobacco smoke at entrances to office buildings

et al. 2010

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Smoking in urban outdoor public places: Behaviour, experiences, and implications for public health

Cited by 38 publications

References 20 publications

Measuring visual exposure to smoking behaviours: a viewshed analysis of smoking at outdoor bars and cafés across a capital city’s downtown area

Measuring visual exposure to smoking behaviours: a viewshed analysis of smoking at outdoor bars and cafés across a capital city’s downtown area

Changes in smoking behaviours following a smokefree legislation in parks and on beaches: an observational study

Not just ‘a few wisps’: real-time measurement of tobacco smoke at entrances to office buildings

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