The Effects of Educational Campaigns and Smoking Bans in Public Places on Smokers' Intention to Quit Smoking: Findings from 17 Cities in China.

Biao Luo,Tieshan Li,Liang Wan,Liang Liang

doi:10.1155/2015/853418

Abstract

Despite the perceived success of educational campaigns and smoking bans in public places in China, the actual effects have not been investigated. This study examines the effects of the two policies by major characteristics of smokers and whether the affected smokers have intention to quit smoking. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 17 cities in China and 16,616 participants were selected using multistage stratified sampling. Logistic regression models were used to examine the effects of educational campaigns and smoking bans in public places on their intention to quit smoking. Results show that the Chinese government should try every means to build its tobacco control publicity and implement various forms of public educational campaigns to enhance smokers' knowledge of the health consequences of smoking. In addition, China should emphasize the enforcement of the existing smoking prohibitions and regulations by implementing local tobacco control legislation and total prohibitions in all public places and workplaces.

Highlights

IntroductionAccording to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly six million people die annually from cigarette smoking [1]
Smoking is one of the leading preventable causes of death and diseases in the world
Given the unprecedented challenges and motivation on tobacco control (TC) by Chinese government, this study focuses on examining the effects of public educational campaigns and smoking bans in public places in China

Summary

Introduction

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly six million people die annually from cigarette smoking [1]. Approximately 320 million, nearly one-third of the world’s smokers, are in China, and an estimated 738 million people are exposed to secondhand smoke [2, 3]. One million people die of tobacco induced diseases in China each year [4], a number that is projected to reach two million by the year 2020 [5]. If current smoking rate continues, according to the WHO, 100 million people in China under the age of 30 will die from tobacco use [6]. The tremendous pressure from tobacco induced diseases and death makes tobacco control (TC) an urgent concern in China. China plays a critical role in global TC efforts given the size of Chinese smokers

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