Tobacco Use and Exposure to Second-Hand Smoke among Urban Residents: A Community-Based Investigation

Abstract

Objectives: In 2005, China acceded to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), the foundation for the global fight against tobacco. Certain cities in China have established local regulations to control tobacco use ahead of national policy; however, without the enforcement of statutory law, some of these regulations are merely lip service. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of city policy on smoking prevalence and on second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure status among non-smokers in Changchun City. Methods: A cross-sectional survey covering a multiple-stage, representative sample of the urban population aged ≥15 years was conducted between 1 Dec 2013 and 31 Jan 2014. The WHO and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention developed the questionnaires used, which included demographic characteristics, smoking behaviors and SHS exposure status. Results: Overall cigarette smoking prevalence was 23.5%; daily cigarette smoking prevalence was 21.2%. Smoking prevalence and cigarettes consumed per day was higher among men (p < 0.05) and those aged 45–64 years (p < 0.05). Among current smokers, 8.1% planned to quit within 12 months; 53.4% had no intention of quitting. Overall SHS exposure prevalence was 41.9% (workplace) and 34.1% (at home) over the previous 30 days. The weighted workplace SHS exposure prevalence increased with age. Conclusions: The high proportion of smokers with no intention of quitting and the high level of SHS exposure may constitute one of the most significant barriers to successful smoking cessation in the city. A continued drive to promote full implementation of the WHO FCTC is still needed.

Prevalence and factors associated with tobacco use among adults attending selected healthcare facilities in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, South Africa

“…This shows that almost half of the non-smoking participants are also at risk of developing cardiovascular disease, as secondary smoking has been implicated in increasing cardiovascular risk by 25-30% and no safe limit has been established. 45 Likewise, Xu et al 46 also reported higher exposure to secondary smoke at home among women. The higher rate found among women is expected.…”

Prevalence of passive smoking in the community population aged 15 years and older in China: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“… 10 Many large cities have local regulations regarding tobacco control, but the effect has been less than expected. 11 12 China is the largest tobacco grower and consumer in the world. Chinese national legislators have actively started the process of national bans on smoking in public and work places since 2014.…”

Individual and city-level determinants of secondhand smoke exposure in China

“…This is surprising especially given attempts by some cities and provinces to restrict smoking [ 33 ]. However, smoking in smokefree public places has neither come under strong public condemnation nor faced strong penalties, so smoking and exposure to SHS continues to be a common phenomenon in these venues [ 34 – 36 ]. So the question arises, therefore, of the extent to which the presence of SFRs has any effect on patterns of exposure.…”