Changes in Smoking Prevalence following a Strict No-Smoking Policy in U.S. Navy Recruit Training

Abstract

This study examined 449 U.S. Navy recruits who reported that they were current smokers upon entering Navy recruit training. Recruits were prohibited from using tobacco for the duration of the 8 weeks of basic training. Participants completed tobacco surveys at entry into the Navy, upon graduation from recruit training, and after 1 year of service. Forty percent of the smokers at entry into the Navy changed their classification to former smokers at the end of recruit training. At the 1-year follow-up, 19% of the initial smokers classified themselves as former smokers. Multivariate logistic regression analyses indicated that having a higher intent to quit was predictive of reporting oneself as a former smoker at recruit training graduation. Smoking fewer cigarettes per day at entry into the Navy and more years of regular tobacco use were predictive of reporting oneself as a former smoker at the 1-year follow-up. Findings from this study suggested a meaningful impact of the Navy's no-smoking policy during recruit training in reducing smoking prevalence.