Smoking Ban Research Articles

The use of mobile app survey data to examine compliance with occupational smoking bans: A case study of seven countries

The use of mobile app survey data to examine compliance with occupational smoking bans: A case study of seven countries

Development of a passive sampler for analysis of nicotine in non-smoking areas

Passive cigarette smoking has been a concern owing to the harmful health risks it poses to humans. Nicotine is used as an indicator of tobacco smoke in the environment, to assess the effects of passive smoking. Passive samplers, which do not require a power source, are a low-cost method for collecting nicotine; however, they are affected by wind, resulting in low accuracy. We developed a passive sampler coupled with perforated covers to reduce the effects of wind on sampling. Because covering the collection surface would reduce the amount of nicotine collected by passive samplers, a highly sensitive nicotine analysis method using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was developed. Chamber tests were used to determine the optimal cover aperture ratio. Finally, we measured the nicotine concentrations indoors at 15 sites using active samplers. The nicotine concentration determined using the active samplers were compared to the amount of nicotine collected in the passive samplers, to estimate the sampling rate (SR; m3 min−1) of the passive samplers. The limit of quantitation for nicotine obtained using LC-MS/MS was 8.6 ng L−1, which was 0.0016–0.043 times those obtained using conventional methods. The optimal aperture of the membrane and the SR of the developed sampler were 1.8% and (1.17 ± 0.05) × 10−6 m3 min−1, respectively. The relative standard deviation of the developed sampler was 0.57 times those of the conventional samplers, indicating that the developed samplers have improved accuracy. The nicotine concentrations in the rooms ranged from <0.06–37 μg m−3. The samples with the lowest concentrations could not be quantified using conventional analytical methods. Thus, the proposed analytical method and passive sampler are promising tools for monitoring nicotine.

Analysis of Smoking Behavior of Students at SMA Negeri 1 Montasik Aceh Besar in 2022

Smoking in this school is something worth paying attention to, because some students are active smokers, are still dabbling and just joining their friends. Of the 205 students in Montasik High School, 80% of the students are active smokers. The purpose of this study Smoking Behavior of Students at SMA Negeri 1 Montasik Aceh Besar in 2022. This research is a type of analytical survey research using a quantitative method approach. The population in this study was students who, smoking behavior, sample 116 students. Data processed using univariate, bivariate and multrivariate analysis. The results of the study showed that there was a relationship between knowledge (P value = 0.000), attitude (P value = 0.000), affordability to cigarettes (P value = 0.000), exposure to cigarette advertisements (P value 0.002) and peers (P value 0.000) with Smoking Behavior of Students at SMA Negeri 1 Montasik, while age, family influence and policies on cigarettes did not affect Student Smoking Behavior. The most dominant variables affecting smoking behavior are, family member influence (0.004, OR: 13.898) and peer influence (0.000, OR: 277.463). It is hoped that there will be a strict regulation on students, teachers and employees who smoke in schools and the introduction of non-smoking areas in schools. For parents, they should be more careful in setting an example of behavior in the family environment and monitoring the behavior of parents is expected to be a provision in getting along in the community.

Smoke-free beaches in Florida

Beach tourism is often the most important source of revenue for coastal communities, and surveys have shown that the foremost requirements for beachgoers are clean sand and clean water. Beach litter is harmful and costly in many ways, and the No. 1 form of litter on U.S. beaches is cigarette butts. Campaigns for smoke-free beaches have been based largely on environmental issues and aesthetics, but there are other important reasons. Hawaii was the first state to ban smoking on beaches. This paper presents the rationale for Florida cities and counties to adopt smoke-free policies for one of their most important natural resources and recreational destinations.

Santri Smoking Behavior Determinant At “X” Islamic Boarding School in Jember Regency

Smoke is a risk factor for various infections and increased severity of respiratory tract disease. Deaths due to smoking in the world in 2019 reached 8 million people per year, while death as a consequence of cigarettes in Indonesia reached 230,000. The aim of this study was to know the determinant behavior of teenage student smokers at boarding school X and including predisposing factors, enabling factors, and reinforcing factors. This study was conducted with a quantitative method with a cross-sectional approach. The population is santris in cottage boarding school X on SMP and SMA levels as many as 325 students with a total sample of 198 students who are determined with probability sampling. The study shows as many as 59.6% respondents smoked respondents aged 12-15 years (65.7%) with a stay of 1-3 years (86.9%). Knowledge good (53%), negative attitude (94.9%) and negative values (79.3%) means no health support (70.2%), facilities infrastructure supporter no support (54%), kiai no support (96.5%) boarding school administrator no support (88.4%) and friend no support (80.8%). Bivariate analysis Results show variables that have a connection - age (p-value=0.004), an education level (p-value=0.000), attitudes (p-value=In the majority of santri smoking, were 12-16years old with a duration of 1-3 years and for level highest education is junior high school/equivalent. Smoke behavior was influenced by variables of age, level of education, attitudes, values, and health facility. Application rule ban smoke among santris needs to be upgraded with signs warning of a smoking ban in certain places that are often frequented by santri in the form of posters or board warnings as well as accompaniment from public health centers.

Smoking Bans and Circulatory System Disease Mortality Reduction in Macao (China): Using GRA Models.

This study evaluates the association between smoking rates and mortality from circulatory system diseases (CSD) after implementing a series of smoking bans in Macao (China). (1) Background: Macao phased in strict total smoking bans since 2012. During the past decade, smoking rates among Macao women have dropped by half. CSD mortalities in Macao also show a declining trend. (2) Method: Grey relational analysis (GRA) models were adopted to rank the importance of some key factors, such as income per capita, physician density, and smoking rates. Additionally, regressions were performed with the bootstrapping method. (3) Results: Overall, smoking rate was ranked as the most important factor affecting CSD mortality among the Macao population. It consistently remains the primary factor among Macao's female population. Each year, on average 5 CSD-caused deaths were avoided among every 100,000 women, equivalent to about 11.45% of the mean annual CSD mortality. (4) Conclusions: After the implementation of smoking bans in Macao, the decrease in smoking rate among women plays a primary role in the reduction in CSD mortality. To avoid excess CSD mortality due to smoking, Macao needs to continue to promote smoking cessation among the male population.

Attached Smoking Room Is a Source of PM2.5 in Adjacent Nonsmoking Areas

The smoking ban is not working in some entertainment venues in China. PM2.5 pollution induced by cigarette smoking in these places is still unknown. In this study, we took mahjong clubs as target places, monitored the real-time PM2.5 concentration, and recorded on-site inspection information to investigate the PM2.5 pollution characteristics induced by cigarette smoking. In occupied and smoking rooms, the geomean and median values of PM2.5 concentration were 276 and 347 μg/m3. The number of smoking persons in room is the dominant factor to enhance PM2.5 levels. For each additional person smoking in the room, PM2.5 increased by 32% (95% CI: 31%, 33%). Regarding adjacent nonsmoking rooms, PM2.5 increased due to the air penetration from smoking rooms and the increase trend usually had a lag time of 20 minutes. The geomean values of PM2.5 concentrations were 109 μg/m3 in the nonsmoking and occupied rooms and 148 μg/m3 in the vacant rooms. To close the door of the room is the most effective measure to alleviate the PM2.5 penetration. The geomean values of 24-hour and annual average excess exposure concentration if spending 5 hours/day and 2 days/week in mahjong club were 32.1 and 9.2 μg/m3, respectively; both exceeded the World Health Organization’s air quality guidelines, 15 and 5 μg/m3, respectively. Our results revealed severe PM2.5 pollution and exposure risk by cigarette smoking in entertainment venues, as well as the penetration effect on adjacent nonsmoking areas. The smoking bans should be strictly enforced in entertainment venues, and the setting of smoking areas in indoor public places should be scientific to avoid diffusion into nonsmoking areas.

Preventive medicine in pediatric cardiology practice.

The objective of the study was to assess contemporary practice patterns of pediatric cardiologists with respect to cholesterol disorders and smoking-related illness. We sent 2 anonymous surveys to the members of the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery and the Pediheart online community. The surveys addressed training in and management of cholesterol disorders and smoking-related illness. There were 97 responses to the cholesterol disorders survey. A total of 51.6% reported little or no formal training on cholesterol disorders. A total of 56.4% underestimated the prevalence of familial hypercholesterolemia by at least twofold. A total of 54.7% were at least somewhat comfortable prescribing statins. In 5 clinical vignettes, respondents frequently gave clinical recommendations in line with the 2019 American Heart Association guidelines although both undertreatment and overtreatment were recommended. There were 90 responses to the survey on smoking-related illness. Little or no formal training in nicotine addiction (52.3%) or smoking cessation (60.5%) was reported by respondents. Respondents screened for tobacco use in less than a one-third of hospitalizations and less than two-thirds of outpatient clinic visits. Screening for exposure to secondhand smoke was even less common. Twenty-seven percent of respondents never recommend a household smoking ban for their patients. A total of 83.3% were uncomfortable prescribing medications for their patients for smoking cessation, and 65.5% rarely or never refer patients for smoking cessation assistance. Although positioned to address the childhood origins of adult heart disease, those cardiologists surveyed placed a limited emphasis on cholesterol disorders and smoking-related disease in their clinical practice.

Environmental tobacco smoke at home and in public places prior to smoking ban enforcement: Assessment by hair analysis in a population of young adult students.

Despite inititatives to reduce tobacco consumption, smoking remains a primary cause of death for both smokers and nonsmokers exposed to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). The characteristics of some specific groups can make them more exposed to ETS or limit the benefit of prevention measures. This study investigated determinants of ETS in a population of young adult students, considered at higher risk of exposure due to their specific lifestyle. This cross-sectional study involved 90 students aged 20 ± 1.7 years, from the University of Luxembourg, prior to the smoking ban enforcement in public places in the country. Participants reported their tobacco consumption and exposure to ETS at home and/or in public places, and provided a hair sample analyzed for nicotine and cotinine. Nicotine and cotinine were significantly higher in smokers than in nonsmokers' hair in general (median: 2.6 vs. 0.9 ng/mg and 87.1 vs. 22.5 pg/mg respectively). However, nonsmokers exposed to ETS at home and in public places had comparable concentrations to smokers (nic = 2.2 ng/mg; cot = 56.2 pg/mg), whereas unexposed nonsmokers presented significantly lower values (nic = 0.4 ng/mg, cot = 8.5 pg/mg). Nonsmokers exposed to ETS only at home presented higher values than nonsmokers only exposed in public places (nic: 1.3 vs. 0.8 ng/mg, cot: 70.4 vs. 15.0 pg/mg). The study shows the widespread exposure to ETS in this population, the importance of exposure assessment, and the relevance of hair analysis for this purpose. Results suggest that ETS can lead to equivalent exposure to active smoking and that exposure at home can highly contribute to ETS, which is not solved by smoking ban in public places.

Ultrafine Particles in Viennese Gastronomy after Introduction of a National Smoking Ban

Background: Ultrafine particles have a substantial influence on the pathogenesis of diseases from ambient air pollution including personal and indoor tobacco smoke. In public rooms such as gastronomy venues without complete smoking ban, the main source of ultrafine particles is cigarette smoke. Objectives: In accordance with the research question if the legislative smoking ban reduced ultrafine particle pollution in Viennese bars, cafés and pubs, the effectiveness of this ban for the protection of nonsmokers was evaluated. As a further objective, the comparison with the ultrafine particle concentrations in smoking and non-smoking areas before and after the general smoking ban was relevant, whereby the data from the survey period April to October 2019 were used. Hereby, the effectiveness of the measure could be derived from the direct comparison of the earlier and the current recordings. Methods: 2 years after the national Non-Smoking Protection Law in November 2019 had gone into force, the indoor exposures with ultrafine particles were surveyed in 22 Viennese bars/discotheques, 5 cafés and 12 pubs/restaurants and bars. By unannounced and undercover measurements over 20 minutes each, these well frequented gastronomy locations were investigated between October 2021 and February 2022. The concentration of ultrafine particles (PNC, pt/cm³), the corresponding diameter (10 - 300 nm) and lung deposited surface area (LDSA) were recorded via Miniature Diffusion Size Classifier (miniDiSC®) in all three types of locations. Results: The ultrafine particle loadings in 2021/22 in the three location types were not significantly different any more. Two years after the ban the median PNC (pt/cm³) was 19,751 in bars, 18,854 in cafés and 19,357 in pubs. The average diameter (AD, nm) was 54.17 in bars, 44.27 in cafés and 52.08 in pubs. For average LDSA (µm²/cm³), the values were 51.65 in bars, 35.76 in cafés, and 60.71 in pubs. 2019 data had shown significantly higher median values for PNC (pt/cm³) for smoking locations at 72,802 versus non-smoking areas at 27,776 and non-smoking locations at 18,854. Similarly, smoking locations showed significantly higher values for AD (nm) at 78 versus non-smoking areas at 62 and non-smoking locations at 52. For average LDSA (µm²/cm³), smoking locations also had the highest values at 402.0 versus non-smoking areas at 108.0 and non-smoking locations at 51.9. From comparison of data, it was possible to derive the UFP concentrations above which a hospitality indoor area - regardless of its declared status - may be classified as polluted by nanoparticles (tobacco smoke): For PNC, 34,435 pt/ cm³, for average diameter 67.45 nm and for LDSA 163.68 µm²/cm³ are proposed as cut-off values. Conclusion: The national smoking ban significantly improved air quality in Viennese hospitality venues. Two years after the ban ultrafines were comparably low and not significantly different between bars, cafés and pubs, whether they were used before for smoking or not. The decrease of ultrafine particle pollution was attributed to regular non-smoking in localities. Some outliers of the present investigation after the smoking ban indicated, that control of compliance with the law has to be continued.

Cotton pillow samplers for assessment of thirdhand smoke in homes of smokers and nonsmokers with children

Secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure is a major cause of illnesses in children and leaves a persistent and toxic residue indoors called thirdhand smoke (THS) that adheres to various surfaces, permeates materials, accumulates in household dust, and is subsequently re-emitted into the air. THS, like SHS, has been shown to contain multiple toxic chemicals, including carcinogenic tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs). Children are highly susceptible to tobacco smoke pollutants, and simple methods for assessing children’s SHS and THS exposure are needed. Therefore, we evaluated the performance of a cotton pillow used as a passive sampler in homes of children with caregivers who smoke tobacco, with and without home smoking bans, as well as nonsmokers. We deployed a commercially available organic cotton travel pillow, which was left in the home for a median of 9.1 days. Pillow component nicotine levels were significantly higher in homes of smokers without a ban as compared to smokers and nonsmokers who had a ban (e.g., median pillowcase nicotine 337.7 ng/g per day vs. 72.5 ng/g per day and 0.1 ng/g per day, respectively) and differences were similar to those for air nicotine. Pillowcase TSNAs were detected mainly in the homes of smokers without a smoking ban. Pillow component (pillowcase, fabric, and filling) nicotine levels were highly correlated with air nicotine levels (rho = 0.76-0.88, all P &lt; 0.001). Nicotine in the pillow components was also highly correlated with urinary cotinine in the children (rho = 0.65 to 0.81, all P &lt; 0.001) and other measures of tobacco smoke exposure. Pillow performance as a sampler is promising, given the ease and simplicity of sample deployment.

Effects of chronic secondhand smoke exposure on cardiovascular regulation and the role of soluble epoxide hydrolase in mice.

Background: Secondhand smoke (SHS) is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality with an estimated 80% of SHS-related deaths attributed to cardiovascular causes. Public health measures and smoking bans have been successful both in reducing SHS exposure and improving cardiovascular outcomes in non-smokers. Soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) inhibitors have been shown to attenuate tobacco exposure-induced lung inflammatory responses, making them a promising target for mitigating SHS exposure-induced cardiovascular outcomes. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine 1) effects of environmentally relevant SHS exposure on cardiac autonomic function and blood pressure (BP) regulation and 2) whether prophylactic administration of an sEH inhibitor (TPPU) can reduce the adverse cardiovascular effects of SHS exposure. Methods: Male C57BL/6J mice (11weeks old) implanted with BP/electrocardiogram (ECG) telemetry devices were exposed to filtered air or 3mg/m3 of SHS (6hr/d, 5d/wk) for 12weeks, followed by 4weeks of recovery in filtered air. Some mice received TPPU in drinking water (15mg/L) throughout SHS exposure. BP, heart rate (HR), HR variability (HRV), baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), and BP variability were determined monthly. Results: SHS exposure significantly decreased 1) short-term HRV by ∼20% (p < 0.05) within 4weeks; 2) overall HRV with maximum effect at 12weeks (-15%, p < 0.05); 3) pulse pressure (-8%, p < 0.05) as early as week 4; and 4) BRS with maximum effect at 12weeks (-11%, p < 0.05). Four weeks of recovery following 12weeks of SHS ameliorated all SHS-induced cardiovascular detriments. Importantly, mice exposed to TPPU in drinking water during SHS-related exposure were protected from SHS cardiovascular consequences. Discussion: The data suggest that 1) environmental relevant SHS exposure significantly alters cardiac autonomic function and BP regulation; 2) cardiovascular consequences from SHS can be reversed by discontinuing SHS exposure; and 3) inhibiting sEH can prevent SHS-induced cardiovascular consequences.

Secondhand smoke and its unfavorable associations in vulnerable population groups

Secondhand smoke (SHS) is one of the greatest and most frequent environmental toxic exposures. According to WHO it causes over 600,000 deaths per year, the majority (64%) among women, with more than a third of all people exposed to the harmful effects of smoke. This corresponds to 1% of the global burden of diseases worldwide. Numerous studies have shown the harmful effects of SHS on those who are exposed, including female adults, children, and pregnant women and their fetuses. The aim of this narrative review is to present research concerning SHS and its unfavorable association with the physical and mental health of those vulnerable population groups. Full papers in the English language were searched in the PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases and the inclusion factors were reviews and original studies on secondhand smoke and its effects on maternal and child health, including US Surgeon General's Reports since the year 2006. Special attention was paid to studies based on the bilateral American-Slovak project "Prenatal, pregnancy and childhood exposures to household smoking and their relations to subsequent development and health in Slovakia". The research on SHS and health effects helps in campaigns for smoke-free environments and in the promotion of community-based smoke-free programs. Besides school and workplace, a complete smoking ban at home should be considered to avoid potential adverse health effects on vulnerable population groups.

Identifikasi Karakteristik Perokok Aktif di Provinsi Sumatera Barat Tahun 2020 dengan Model Logistik Biner

Cigarettes are one of the most popular products in society. Based on BPS data, the percentage of the population aged over 15 years who smoked in 2020 was 28,69 percent. Expenditure per capita to determine the order of the second largest after food and beverages, and greater than grains. This makes cigarettes one of the primary needs for most people. West Sumatra Province is one of the areas that promote smoking bans with various regional regulations related to smoking bans. However, this is not very fruitful, the number of smokers in West Sumatra is still higher than the national average of 30,08 percent in 2020. The dominant result obtained is that the majority of smokers in West Sumatra are male. Men are 11,5 times more likely to be active smokers than women. Smokers in West Sumatra are also dominated by residents with primary education status and below, which is 47 percent of the total smokers and has the greatest opportunity to be active compared to other educational statuses, which is 6,9 times. These results are expected to be determined to determine policies so that cigarette consumption in West Sumatra Province can be reduced.

Microcontroller-Based Cigarette Smoke Detector and Neutralizer

Non-smoking areas in Indonesia are still very minimal, and if any, they may still be violated because the sanctions can be said to be non-existent. Some smokers do not understand the tolerance for the discomfort of passive smokers forced to smell cigarettes smoke: they must inhale the burnt smell of tobacco until they feel short of breath. Some sensitive passive smokers will cough right away. This study aims to design a device that can detect cigarette smoke by neutralizing it. The result of this study is that all tools made worked and functioned as expected, so they are expected to be used as a means of controlling cigarette smoke in a closed space. Raspberry Pi as the main controller is quite efficient because it requires a small power supply source.

Knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of workers in indoor bars, beer halls and discotheques towards exposure to second-hand smoking in the two cities in Swaziland

Second-hand smoking is a serious health hazard causing approximately 41000 deaths from lung cancer, respiratory infections, asthma, coronary heart disease and stroke globally each year. Evidence suggests that workers in bars, beer halls and discotheques are more exposed to second- hand smoking compared to other workers in general. Protection of these workers through enactment of smoke-free legislation and attitudes of these workers towards such legislation are key variables of compliance. This study aimed to describe the knowledge of the adverse effects of second-hand smoking, attitudes and perceptions of workers towards the practice. The results suggest that most workers knew what second-hand smoking was and that it could cause lung cancer, coronary heart disease and asthma but undermined the fact that continued exposure or exposure to low levels could lead to severe disease or death. Fifty-four percent of the respondents showed good knowledge and 36% showed fair knowledge of the adverse effects of exposure to second-hand smoke. Respondents mentioned lung cancer (100%), increased coughing (90%), asthma (60%) and heart disease (30%) as possible adverse effects. The knowledge was not different among workers who smoked and those who did not smoke (never smoked or ex- smokers) (p=0.1041). However, both smokers and non-smokers did not believe that exposure to second-hand smoke could lead to early death (p=0.8864). The suggestions that smoking should be banned in all indoor workplaces was accepted by non-smokers but rejected by smokers (p=0.0001). So was the suggestion of increasing tax on cigarettes (p&lt;0.0001). Legislation banning smoking in indoor workplaces is contained in the Swaziland Tobacco Products Control Act (2013) that is still waiting to be enforced and as such, indoor smoking is not banned in the country. Sixty-seven per cent of the participants were not aware of the existence of legislation aimed at protecting them against exposure to second-hand smoke in indoor workplaces. It is suggested that the enforcement of the Swaziland Tobacco Control Act (2013), which purports to impose a comprehensive ban of indoor smoking be speeded up so that indoor air quality could improve. Mechanisms to monitor adherence to the complete ban are likely to speed up improvement of the health of many indoor workers in bars, beer halls and discotheques that are exposed for lengthy periods. Enforcement of the Act should include creation of programmes to create awareness of the risks faced by the workers.

Achievements and Emerging Challenges of Smoking Ban Policy in Korea

Achievements and Emerging Challenges of Smoking Ban Policy in Korea

Smoke-free homes in Poland during the COVID-19 pandemic - a nationwide cross-sectional survey.

Secondhand smoke exposure causes serious health problems. Banning smoking in public venues decreases exposure to secondhand smoke. However, the implementation of smoke-free rules in a private setting (including homes) is largely voluntary. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and characteristics of voluntary smoke-free home rules in Poland during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as to identify factors associated with the voluntary implementation of smoking bans at home. This cross-sectional survey was conducted in March 2022 with a nationally representative sample of 1090 individuals aged ≥18 years in Poland. Data were collected using a computerassisted web interviewing (CAWI) technique. The research tool was an original questionnaire developed for the purpose of this study. Nationally, 60.6% of individuals had total ban on smoking in home (100% smoke-free home rules), 34.0% had implemented a partial smokefree home rule and 5.4% had not implemented any smoke-free home rules. Over three-quarters of non-smokers (76.8%) and only one-fifth of smokers (20.7%) had adopted a full smoke-free home rule. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, males (OR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.22-2.22, p < 0.01), non-smokers (OR = 13.78, 95% CI: 9.80-19.38, p < 0.001), respondents who had higher education (OR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.15-2.14, p < 0.01) as well as those who lived alone (OR = 2.44, 95% CI: 1.52-3.90, p < 0.001) had higher odds of having a 100% smoke-free home rule. This study demonstrated the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the implementation of smoke-free home rules in Poland. Less than two-thirds of the Polish population has adopted a total smoke-free home rule, with significant gaps between smokers and nonsmokers. Information on current voluntary smoke-free rules will be useful for further implementation of the smoke-free law in Poland. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2023;36(1):84-95.

Smoking Ban Law in Chile: Impact in Newborns' Birth Weight by Women's Age Groups and by City Population Density.

Objectives: We examined the short-term impact of the Smoking Ban Law (SBL) enacted in Chile in 2013 on low birth weight (LBW) rates in cities and its differential effects by different maternal age groups and city density. Methods: We included 885,880 live births from 21 Chilean cities of ≥100,000 inhabitants. We examined the smoking and LBW prevalence distribution before and after the SBL. Through Poisson mixed effect models, we determined whether a meaningful change in LBW rate occurred after SBL implementation in the whole sample and stratified by city population density and maternal age group. Results: LBW prevalence remained stable before and after the SBL implementation (6.1% and 6.3%, respectively), while women's smoking prevalence had a relative reduction of 25.9% (p < 0.00001). No significant changes in LBW rate occurred after the implementation of SBL in the total sample or stratified by city density tertiles or maternal age groups. Conclusion: SBL implementation did not show short-term impact on LBW rate in Chile. Further studies need to examine long-term impact of SBL on low birthweight.

Current status of tobacco use, cessation and control policy in Korea

Background: Tobacco use is a leading cause of countless deaths and disabilities worldwide. An estimated 11 million Korean adults were still using tobacco in 2020, according to the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. This review aims to explain the current trends in tobacco use, sales, cessation, and control policies in South Korea.Current Concepts: Heated tobacco products (HTPs), a hybrid between conventional and electronic cigarettes, were first launched in South Korea in June 2017. Advertisements stating that HTPs are odorless, tar-free, and less harmful to health have caused sales of HTPs to grow quickly over the past 5 years, such that they account for about 15% of the total tobacco market. According to national smoking rate statistics and tobacco sales trends, declines in current smoking rates have slowed and even risen in some groups, and declines in total tobacco sales have slowed but also risen again during the coronavirus 19 pandemic. In addition, the number of visitors to smoking cessation clinics decreased just after the advent of HTPs and social distancing policies triggered by the coronavirus. Nicotine replacement therapy can serve as a drug therapy for smoking cessation, or bupropion and varenicline can be prescribed. Korea’s representative tobacco control policies include the tax increase policy, non-smoking area policy, cigarette pack warning picture policy, and support policy for visiting smoking cessation clinics.Discussion and Conclusion: There is a pressing need to reflect tobacco control policies in line with changes in tobacco user behaviors and tobacco company marketing strategies.