The approach of smokers to the new tobacco law and the change in their behaviour

Tuberk Toraks. 2012;60(4):350-4. doi: 10.5578/tt.3549.

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of our study is; to assess the approach of smokers to tobacco law, examine changes in their smoking related behaviors after the new law and determine the factors associated with these changes.

Materials and methods: Data collected by questionnaire including 30 question. We applied the questionnaire to 1509 current smokers, and ex-smokers who quitted smoking after the law. SPSS packet programme was used for analyses.

Results: Participants consisted of 419 (28.0%) female, 1090 (72.0%) male with an average age of 33.6 ± 10.5 years. Although 80% of them knew that passive smoking is harmful to non-smokers, rate of smoking at home and in the car were very high. 869 (58.0%) of participants supported the law. 87 (5.8%) smokers quitted smoking after the law, 316 (20.9%) reduced. While health problems (37.3%) were the most frequent reason for quitting, restriction of smoking area had the most effect to reduce (54.2%).

Conclusion: We satisfied that; the new tobacco law encouraged smokers to quit smoking. In addition, the majority of smokers supported the law.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Environment
  • Female
  • Health Policy*
  • Health Promotion / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Smoking / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Smoking Cessation / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Smoking Cessation / psychology*
  • Smoking Cessation / statistics & numerical data
  • Smoking Prevention*
  • Tobacco Smoke Pollution / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Tobacco Smoke Pollution / prevention & control
  • Turkey

Substances

  • Tobacco Smoke Pollution