Smoke-free Policies Research Articles

Impact of cigarette price and tobacco control policies on youth smoking experimentation in Albania

BackgroundAlbania has one of the highest smoking prevalence in Europe especially among the youth. There is a lack of evidence in Albania, as well as in most of Eastern Europe...

A Qualitative Study of Barriers and Motivators to Prevent Secondhand Smoke Exposure Among Pregnant Women and Children in Egypt: Identifying Appropriate Approaches for Change.

The prevalence of daily secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure among pregnant nonsmoking women and children in Egypt is estimated to be about 50% and 55%, respectively. This study aimed to explore barriers to preventing SHS exposure among pregnant women/children and smoking in the home in Egypt. Six focus group discussions with pregnant women or mothers of children residing in urban-rural areas (n = 61) were conducted. Data were managed and analyzed using the Framework Method. Sixty-one participants aged 18-49 were recruited. They reported being never smokers and SHS exposure for themselves and their children was mainly at home. Pregnant women or mothers had some general knowledge of the dangers of SHS, but their knowledge appeared incomplete. The most commonly reported barriers to preventing SHS exposure/adopting a smoke-free home or workplace were social acceptance of smoking and SHS exposure, masculinity and gender norms of accepting smoking among men as a normative behavior, fear among women of damaging a relationship with family or even divorce, women resigning themselves to SHS exposure, and doctors not being supportive of smoking cessation. The majority of interviewees' families were reported to allow smoking anywhere in the home. Others implemented some measures to prevent SHS; however, these tended to be inconsistently implemented. Changing the norm of accepting smoking among men as a normative behavior within Egyptian society and better enforcement of smoke-free policies, will help to protect pregnant women and children from SHS. This study suggests promising approaches to support the promotion of smoke-free homes and the prevention of SHS exposure among pregnant women and children in public places in Egypt. Better enforcement of smoke-free policies is needed. Healthcare professionals should support smoking cessation services in primary health centers. SHS policy, practice, and research should focus on husbands/fathers as they are the main source of SHS. There is a need for denormalization of SHS exposure in Egyptian society.

Association of national smoke-free policies with per-capita cigarette consumption and acute myocardial infarction mortality in Europe

BackgroundEvidence on the association between smoke-free policies and per-capita cigarette consumption and mortality due to acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in Europe is limited. Hence, we aimed to assess this association...

The crossroads of work and home: linkages between smoke-free policies at work and household environments

BackgroundTobacco use causes over eight million global deaths annually, with seven million directly attributed to tobacco use and 1.2 million to second hand smoke (SHS). Smoke-free environments are crucial to counter SHS. Although India banned smoking in public places in 2008, SHS exposure remains high. Studies have noted that limiting smoking in workplaces, restaurants, etc., helps to reduce overall smoking and reduce SHS exposure. Under this background, the study explores the linkages between smoke-free workplaces and living in smoke-free homes in India.MethodsThe two rounds of the GATS India (2009-10 and 2016-17) have been used for the study. The study focuses on male tobacco smokers working indoors or outdoors or both indoors and outdoors. The sample for the study was 2,969 for GATS 1 and 2,801 for GATS 2. Dependent variables include living in a smoke-free home, while the independent variables were adherence to a smoke-free office policy and socio-demographic variables. The two rounds of the GATS data were pooled for analysis. Statistical analysis involves bivariate and multivariate analysis.ResultsFindings reveal that 41% of respondents worked in smoke-free workplaces in GATS 2. Nationally, smoke-free homes increased from 35% in 2009–2010 to 44% in 2016-17. Individuals with smoke-free workplaces were more likely to have smoke-free homes. The Southern region consistently exhibited the highest proportion of smoke-free homes. Urban areas and higher education correlated with increased smoke-free homes. Logistic regression analysis confirmed that workplace smoke-free status is a significant predictor of smoke-free homes. In GATS 2, respondents aged 30 years and above were less likely to have smoke-free homes, while education and Southern region residence positively influenced smoke-free homes.ConclusionsThe correlation between smoke-free workplaces and smoke-free homes is linked to stringent workplace no-smoking policies, potentially deterring individuals from smoking at home. Opportunities exist for the expansion and stringent implementation of the smoke-free policies among Indian working adults, leveraging the workplace as a key setting for evidence-based tobacco control. The study highlights positive trends in India’s smoke-free homes, crediting workplace policies. Effective policies, education, and regional strategies can advance smoke-free homes, stressing the pivotal role of workplace policies and advocating broader implementation.

A growing need for advocacy skills and knowledge in promoting population health and well-being

Public health advocacy plays a crucial role in promoting and protecting the health and well-being of communities. It involves the efforts of individuals, organizations, communities, and coalitions to influence public health policies, practices, and systems to address health disparities, improve health outcomes, and create healthier environments. Advocacy strategies used in public health include raising awareness about health issues, mobilizing communities, engaging policy- and decision-makers and media, and influencing legislation. Public health advocates utilize various communication channels, such as traditional and social media, and community forums, to disseminate information and build support for their cause. They also collaborate with stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and community leaders, to amplify their impact. Public health advocacy has been successful in achieving significant improvements in health outcomes. Examples include the adoption and implementation of smoke-free policies, the adoption of evidence-based alcohol strategy and policy, such as the WHO Global Alcohol Action Plan (2022-2030), and many more. However, challenges exist, such as lack of advocacy knowledge and skills among public health workforce, resistance from powerful interest groups (e.g., unhealthy industries), limited resources, and the need for sustained efforts to address complex health issues. In conclusion, public health advocacy is a vital component of efforts to improve population health. It involves advocating for policies and practices that address the social determinants of health and promote health equity. Public health advocates can create positive change and contribute to healthier communities. Continued support and investment in public health advocacy are therefore essential.

Assessing the choice of smoke-free policies for multiunit housing and its associated determinants in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the desire for smoke-free housing, determine the choice of smoke-free policies for multiunit housing (MUH), and identify the factors associated with policy choice among MUH...

What are the effects of smoke-free and tobacco-free university campus policies, and how can they be assessed? A systematic review

ObjectiveThis article looks at the evaluation of smoke-free (SF) and tobacco-free (TF) university campus policies that ban smoking (and often vaping) both indoors and outdoors. To assess the effectiveness of these policies, we performed a systematic literature review to answer the following questions: what is the effect of SF/TF policies on campus users’ behaviors/norms/perceptions around smoking? Are the SF/TF policies an effective measure for reducing smoking among young adults? What methods and indicators can we use to assess the impact of SF/TF campus policies? What is the theoretical model underpinning the influence of SF/TF policies on the behavior of campus users? MethodsThree databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) were searched over the period from January 2005 to December 2022. The article selection process included 54 articles published in scientific journals that analyzed the post-implementation impact of SF/TF campus policies. The quality of these articles was analyzed using six ad hoc indicators based on the Critical Appraisal Skills Program checklist and Joanna Briggs Institute scoping tools. ResultsMost of the research on SF/TF campus policies has been conducted in the United States using quantitative methodologies. Most of these studies show that SF/TF policies reduce positive beliefs about smoking and its acceptability, influence smoking behavior (reducing smoking initiation and increasing the number of quits and quit attempts), and reduce exposure to passive smoking and pollution from cigarette butts. User acceptability of SF/TF policies is generally high. Limitations of SF/TF campus policies include difficulty for smokers to comply with them, persistence of passive smoking around campuses, and limited uptake of on-campus cessation support services provided to smokers. DiscussionThe various mediating and moderating variables identified in the literature have made it possible to propose a model of the potential influence of SF/TF policy on campus users, based on the theory of planned behavior. Based on this review, we provide health professionals and higher education institutions wishing to implement a SF/TF campus policy with a set of indicators that can serve to assess the impact of a SF/TF campus policy (attitudes, acceptability, beliefs, norms, exposure to passive smoking and pollution, changes in smoking behavior). ConclusionBased on scientific evidence, the implementation of SF/TF campus policies in France is an important measure to help combat smoking in young adults.

163 Knowledge and Implementation of Tobacco Control Practices in Rural Louisiana Community Health Centers

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Tobacco use remains a significant public health problem in rural America. Community health centers (CHCs) can help reduce the burden of tobacco use in rural areas, but we know little about their knowledge and implementation of best practices for tobacco control. This study assessed the knowledge and existence of tobacco control practices in rural CHCs. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Using a cross-sectional study design, we electronically surveyed health administrators and providers (n=64) in six rural CHCs in Louisiana between March 2021 and June 2023. The assessment measured 1) knowledge of the U.S. Public Health Service Clinical Practice Guideline for Treating Tobacco Use, 2) the priority given to smoking cessation programming, 3) the presence of best practices for tobacco control programming, such as having a tobacco control champion and team, 4) establishment of treatment and smoke-free campus policies, and 5) existence of referral procedure to external cessation services. We used descriptive statistics to characterize survey participants and responses. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Most of the respondents were female (80%), White (61.8%), between 35 and 49 years of age (48.1%), and non-smokers (72.7%). Only half (51.6%) reported knowledge of the guideline for treating tobacco use among all respondents. Only a third (32.8%) said their health center gave smoking cessation high priority relative to other health priorities. Only a third (35.9%) reported having a tobacco champion; less than a fifth (18.8%) said they had a tobacco control team at their health center. Although all health centers had a smoke-free campus policy, about a quarter (23.4%) were unaware of the policy. Less than a quarter (23.4%) reported having a written policy for smoking cessation treatment at their health center, and less than half (46.7%) knew about cessation services to which they could refer patients. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Rural CHCs had limited knowledge of the guideline for tobacco use treatment. Smoking cessation lacked priority, and the prevalence of tobacco control best practices implementation was low. Rural CHCs must improve their implementation of guideline-recommend policies and clinical strategies to promote treatment and reduce the burden of tobacco use.

Commercial Tobacco Endgame Goals: Early Experiences From Six Countries.

Tobacco use is a major threat to health globally. A number of countries have adopted "endgame goals" to minimize smoking prevalence. The INSPIRED project aims to describe and compare the experiences of the first six countries to adopt an endgame goal. Data were collected on the initial experiences of endgame goals in Canada, Finland, Ireland, New Zealand (Aotearoa), Scotland, and Sweden up to 2018. Information was collated on the nature of the endgame goals, associated interventions and strategies, potential enablers and barriers, and perceived advantages and disadvantages. The INSPIRED countries had relatively low smoking prevalences and moderate-to-strong smoke-free policies. Their endgame goals aimed for smoking prevalences of 5% or less. Target dates ranged from 2025 to 2035. Except for New Zealand (Aotearoa), all countries had an action plan to support their goal by 2018. However, none of the plans incorporated specific endgame measures. Lack of progress in reducing inequities was a key concern, despite the consideration of equity in all of the country's goals and/or action plans. Experience with endgame goals was generally positive; however, participants thought additional interventions would be required to equitably meet their endgame goal. There was variation in the nature and approach to endgame goals. This suggests that countries should consider adopting endgame goals and strategies to suit their social, cultural, and political contexts. The experiences of the INSPIRED countries suggest that further and more significant interventions will be required for the timely and equitable achievement of endgame goals. By 2018, six countries (Canada, Finland, Ireland, New Zealand (Aotearoa), Scotland, and Sweden) had introduced government-endorsed "endgame goals," to rapidly reduce smoking prevalence to very low levels by a specified date. The nature and implementation of endgame goals were variable. Early experiences with the goals were generally positive, but progress in reducing smoking prevalence was insufficient, particularly for priority groups. This finding suggests more significant interventions ("endgame interventions") and measures to reduce inequities need to be implemented to achieve endgame goals. Variation in the nature and experience of endgame goals demonstrates the importance of designing endgame strategies that suit distinct social, cultural, and political contexts.

Association between environmental tobacco smoke exposure and diabetes: Results from the NHANES 2013–2016 and mendelian randomization analysis

The relationship between environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure at different locations and diabetes remains unclear. We explored the abovementioned associations and combined mendelian randomization (MR) techniques to further investigate the causality. In this observational study, data collected by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013–2016 were assessed, which included nonsmokers aged ≥20 years (n = 3749). Subsequently, MR analysis was performed using the inverse variance weighted (IVW) approach to assess the causal connection between different locations of ETS exposure and diabetes from the UK Biobank, DIAbetes Genetic Replication And Meta-analysis (DIAGRAM) consortium, and FinnGen datasets. Multivariate logistic regression analyses demonstrated that exposure to ETS outside the home was positively associated with diabetes in nonsmokers over 60 years (OR = 2.19; 95%CI, 1.19–4.02, p = 0.018). This positive connection was sustained in a subgroup analysis among females (OR = 3.19; 95%CI, 1.48–6.88, p = 0.006) but not in males. In the MR analysis, exposure to ETS outside the home was linked with an elevated risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (OR = 4.52; 95%CI: 1.54–13.32, p = 0.006) according to the IVW outcomes. Findings from our observational study identified exposure to ETS outside the home might be associated with an increased risk of diabetes in nonsmokers, and further MR analysis revealed the causal associations between genetically predicted ETS exposure outside the home on T2DM.These findings assist the need for targeted strategies, including more compulsory smoke-free policies, to address this issue effectively.

Examining local smoke-free coalitions in Armenia and Georgia: context and outcomes of a matched-pairs community-randomised controlled trial

IntroductionLocal coalitions can advance public health initiatives such as smoke-free air but have not been widely used or well-studied in low-income and middle-income countries.MethodsWe conducted a matched-pairs community-randomised controlled trial...

Global trends in deaths and disability-adjusted life years of diabetes attributable to second-hand smoke and the association with smoke-free policies

ObjectivesThe diabetic burden attributable to second-hand smoke (SHS) is a global public health challenge. We sought to explore the diabetic burden attributable to SHS by age, sex, and socioeconomic status during 1990–2019 and to evaluate the health benefit of smoke-free policies on this burden. Study designCross-sectional study. MethodsThe diabetic burden attributable to SHS was extracted from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2019 dataset. Country-level smoke-free policies were obtained from the World Health Organization Global Health Observatory. The deaths or disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were quantified, and the average annual percentage changes were calculated. Hierarchical linear mixed models were applied to evaluate the health effects. ResultsFrom 1990 to 2019, the absolute number of global deaths and DALYs of diabetes attributable to SHS has doubled, and the age-standardised rate has significantly increased. The disease burden was higher in females than in males and increased with increasing age. The SHS-related diabetic burden varied across regions and countries. Age-standardised death or DALY rates first increased and then decreased with increased Socio-demographic Index (SDI), peaking in the 0.60–0.70 range. In low to low-middle, and middle to high-middle SDI countries, SHS-related diabetic deaths and DALYs were significantly lower in countries with more than 3 smoke-free public places than in countries with 0–2 smoke-free public places. ConclusionsMore attention should be paid to females and the elderly, who bear a heavy SHS-related diabetic burden. Banning smoking in public places was associated with reduced burden of SHS-attributable diabetes, especially in low to middle social development countries.

Understanding the dynamics of compliance to smoke-free policy regulations: Exploring the perspectives of venue owners and staff in Türkiye.

The study aims to understand the facilitators and barriers associated with enforcing and complying with Türkiye's smoke-free policy from the perspective of hospitality venue owners and employees. A qualitative open-ended survey was conducted in Istanbul and Ankara in 2021 with 58 respondents from 3 different districts in each city from four types of venues: restaurants, traditional coffee and waterpipe houses, and European-style cafés. The open-ended survey included questions to understand the knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes of respondents about Türkiye's smoke-free policy and their perceptions of the facilitators and/or barriers to smoke-free policy implementation and changes after COVID-19. The data were analyzed using an inductive approach to identify patterns and categorize the data into themes. The respondents expressed that the smoke-free policy aimed to protect employees and customers from secondhand smoke (SHS), respect human health, and improve air quality. Findings suggest that the positive attitude of venue owners and staff toward the smoke-free policy serves as a facilitator. However, fear of financial impact, customers' negative attitudes, difficulties in meeting physical requirements, and insufficient enforcement were found to be barriers to implementing the smoke-free policy. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic were reported as an initial increase in compliance and awareness among customers and staff, but some respondents noted negative changes due to the emotional and financial effects of prolonged restrictions. These challenges have led to decreased attention on the smoke-free policy among venue owners, staff and customers. Respondents' suggested improvements were related to building infrastructure, such as the ventilation systems and educating the public on the harmful health effects of smoking. Despite the general understanding of the dangers of secondhand smoke and the smoke-free policy, this study highlights the challenges in implementing smoke-free policy measures and the continued need to raise awareness about the importance of a 100% smoke-free venue. A comprehensive approach to addressing the tobacco epidemic as a multifaceted public health issue is essential.

Public support for smoke-free private indoor and public outdoor areas in the Netherlands: A trend analysis from 2018-2022.

In addition to smoke-free policies in indoor public and workplaces, governments increasingly implement smoke-free policies at beaches, in parks, playgrounds and private cars ('novel smoke-free policies'). An important element in the implementation of such policies is public support. In the context of the ambition of the Netherlands to reach a smoke-free generation by 2040, we investigated temporal changes in public support for novel smoke-free policies. We analyzed annual cross-sectional questionnaires in a representative sample of the Dutch population from 2018 to 2022. Multivariable logistic regression was applied to model public support for each smoke-free policy area as a function of time (calendar year), smoking status, gender, and socioeconomic status. Interaction terms were added for time with smoking status and with socioeconomic status. A total of 5582 participant responses were included. Between 2018 and 2022, support increased most for smoke-free policies regarding train platforms (+16%), theme parks (+12%), beaches (+10%), and terraces (+10%). In 2022, average support was higher than 65% for all categories of smoke-free places and highest for private cars with children (91%). Regression analyses indicated significant increases in support over time within each category of smoke-free places (adjusted odds ratio, AOR between 1.09 and 1.17 per year), except smoke-free private cars with children (AOR=0.97; 95% CI: 0.89-1.05). Regardless of smoking status, support was high for places where children often go. Support for novel smoke-free places in the Netherlands is high and increasing, in particular for places frequented by children. This indicates the potential to implement such measures in the Netherlands.

State of the literature discussing smoke-free policies globally: A narrative review.

Despite the success of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), most jurisdictions in the world do not have policies that create 100% smoke-free environments in indoor workplaces, indoor public places, public transport, or other public places. We conducted a narrative review of articles that discuss smoke-free policies and describe the state of the current literature. A search of peer-reviewed and gray literature, published between 1 January 2004 and 30 April 2022, was conducted using PubMed and EMBASE databases. We classified articles based on the location of the policy discussed (WHO region, World Bank income classification) and the environment that was being made smoke-free. Insights related to policy development and implementation, as well as compliance and enforcement, were also identified. The search identified 4469 unique citations; 134 articles met the criteria for inclusion and underwent data extraction by two independent coders. The sample included articles published in or about jurisdictions in each WHO region, in high- and low- and mediumincome countries, and articles that discussed policies regulating smoke-free indoor workplaces, indoor public places, public transport, outdoor/quasi-outdoor environments, and other (unspecified) public places. Some important insights from the literature related to smoke-free policy implementation included tobacco industry interference, the important role of civil society, and the need for effective communication, education, and leadership. Enforcement officials' awareness and training, stakeholders' attitudes and beliefs, and understanding social norms were identified as relevant determinants of effective smoke-free policies. There continue to be challenges for implementing smoke-free policies in jurisdictions throughout the globe, in high- and low- and middle-income countries. The literature includes insights to support 100% smoke-free policies in each environment that must be made smoke-free as per the FCTC.

Quasi-experimental study on the impact of local smoke-free policies on smoking among Indonesian adults: Evidence from repeated national health surveys

BackgroundSmoke-free policies (SFPs) have been effective in reducing smoking prevalence, but evidence remains limited for low- and middle-income countries. Due to decentralized governance in Indonesia, SFPs are adopted in different ways in different locations. This study aims to assess the impact of local smoke-free policies (SFPs) on current smoking among Indonesian adults. MethodsData from national health surveys conducted in 515 districts and 34 provinces in 2007, 2013, and 2018, involving 1,599,517 adults, were analyzed. A multilevel logistic regression analysis was performed, considering variables such as survey year, SFP adoption in 2007, SFP between 2007 and 2013, SFP between 2013 and 2018, socio-demographic factors, and district characteristics. ResultsModerate (OR:0.94, 95%CI:0.91-0.97) and strong (OR:0.95, 95%CI:0.0.92-0.98) district-level SFPs between 2013 and 2018 were associated with decreased odds of current smoking, compared to no district-level SFP adoption. Similar results were observed for moderate (OR:0.91, 95%CI:0.86-0.96) and strong (OR:0.89, 95%CI:0.85-0.94) district-level SFPs between 2007 and 2013, compared to no district-level SFP. Compared to provinces without SFPs, individuals living in provinces with moderate SFPs between 2007 and 2013 had lower odds of current smoking (OR:0.67; 95% CI:0.63-0.71), while those in districts with moderate SFPs between 2013 and 2018 had higher odds (OR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.05-1.11). ConclusionsLocal SFPs demonstrated a potential in reducing smoking persistence in Indonesia, particularly at the district level. However, the impact of province-level SFPs differed. Tailored SFPs and district-province strategies, focusing on synchronizing the top-down SFP implementation in the Indonesia's decentralized systems, are critical for lowering smoking rates.

An Association Between State Laws Limiting Local Control and Community Smoke-Free Indoor Air in the United States.

This study examines the association between state laws limiting local control (preemption laws) and local smoke-free policies. We utilized policy data from the American Nonsmokers' Rights Foundation. The primary outcome variable is the presence of a "100% smoke-free policy," across any of 4 indoor settings: workplaces, restaurants, bars, and gaming venues. We employed generalized structural equation modeling to investigate the relationship between state laws pre-empting smoke-free indoor air regulation and local adoption of policies requiring smoke-free air in any public venues, or for specific venues, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics. Our findings reveal a significant association between state preemption laws and the presence of a local 100% smoke-free indoor policy as of 2023. In states with preemption laws, cities were less likely to have a 100% smoke-free indoor policy at any venue than cities in states without preemption laws (OR = 0.07, 95% CI = 0.05-0.10). When considering specific smoke-free venues, cities in states with preemption laws were less likely to have a 100% smoke-free indoor policy covering workplaces (OR = 0.05, 95% CI = 0.03-0.09), restaurants (OR = 0.04, 95% CI = 0.02-0.07), bars (OR = 0.04, 95% CI = 0.03-0.08), and gaming venues (OR = 0.03, 95% CI = 0.01-0.09) compared to cities in states without preemption laws. Our study suggests that state preemption laws limit local decision-making and the implementation of public health policies focused on tobacco harms.

Factors associated with support for social enforcement of smoke-free policies in Georgia and Armenia.

Armenia's and Georgia's high rates of smoking and secondhand smoke and recent implementation of smoke-free laws provide a timely opportunity to examine factors that increase compliance, like social enforcement and support for governmental enforcement. Using 2022 data from 1468 Armenian and Georgian adults (mean age=42.92 years, 48.6% male, 31.6% past-month smoking), multilevel linear regression examined tobacco-related media exposures, social exposures, and perceptions/attitudes in relation to: 1) likelihood of asking someone to extinguish cigarettes where a) prohibited and b) allowed; and 2) support of fines for smoke-free violations (1=not at all to 4=very). There was low average likelihood of asking someone to extinguish cigarettes where allowed (mean=1.01, SD=1.12) or prohibited (mean=1.57, SD=1.21) and 'little' agreement with fines for smoke-free violations (mean=2.13, SD=1.06). Having fewer friends who smoked, greater support for indoor smoke-free laws, and no past-month cigarette use were positively associated with all 3 outcomes. Greater exposure to media and community-based action supporting smoke-free policies, and witnessing more requests to stop smoking where prohibited, were associated with higher likelihood of asking someone to extinguish cigarettes where allowed or prohibited. Less exposure to news stories opposing smoke-free policies and cigarette ads and higher perceived harm of cigarettes were also related to higher likelihood of asking someone to stop smoking where prohibited. Higher perceived harm of cigarettes was also associated with greater agreement with fines for smoke-free violations. Comprehensive strategies targeting social norms, media exposure, and risk perceptions are needed to effectively facilitate strategies to enhance smoke-free law enforcement.

Identifying factors influencing local governments' adoption of comprehensive smoke-free policies: an event history analysis based on panel data from 36 key cities in China (2013-2021).

The issue of tobacco control remains a significant concern for public health worldwide. In recent years, remarkable progress has been made toward adopting smoke-free measures in indoor public places. Although China has yet to introduce a national regulation, specifically for smoke-free public places, more than a dozen cities have successively approved and implemented comprehensive smoke-free regulations. Different cities in China have diverse attitudes and behaviors toward smoke-free policies; however, the reasons for these policy differences and the influencing factors have not received sufficient attention and research. On the basis of the multiple streams framework, this study selects 36 key Chinese cities as research samples and uses a directed dyad-year event history analysis method to analyze the factors influencing the implementation of comprehensive smoke-free policies in cities. Results show that the adoption of such policies is positively influenced by scientific evidence, focal events, media coverage, institutional foundations, economic comparisons, and the influence of health departments and of tobacco control groups. By contrast, policy adoption is negatively affected by the differences in administrative levels, central policy signals, and the influence of the tobacco industry. This study contributes to understanding the internal logic behind local governments' adoption of comprehensive smoke-free policies, offering insights for further advocacy at the city and national levels in China and providing experiences that can promote the global tobacco control movement.

Tobacco in hotels: A study of smoke exposure and resident risk.

Extended-stay hotels (ESH) are a reliable and accessible housing option for low-income, minoritized renters, who are disproportionately exposed to secondhand and thirdhand cigarette smoke (SHS and THS). This study explores ESH residents' perceptions of their SHS and THS exposure, harms related to this exposure, their willingness to mitigate these harms, and the contextual factors associated with smoking in hotels. Eighty ESH renters from the metropolitan Atlanta region were recruited to complete a survey about the perceived harm and persistence of tobacco smoke, exposure experiences, knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy, and intentions to protect oneself. Eleven of these participants completed semi-structured interviews, during which they discussed their daily SHS and THS exposure at their ESHs in greater detail. Of the survey respondents, 62% reported being bothered by their level of smoke exposure, and 77% said they believed smoke particulates remained in their rooms even after housekeeping cleaned them. Approximately half of survey respondents had attempted to stop smoking in the 3 months prior to the study, and 29 of these individuals were still on their smoking cessation journeys. Most interview participants agreed that SHS and THS exposure exacerbated their existing chronic illnesses and could possibly result in death in the long term. Participants agreed with the benefits of smoke-free policies, but also acknowledged other priorities for ESH living-affordability, safety, and proximity to the workplace-that overshadowed their desires for such policies. Overall, study findings suggest that ESH renters understand the dangers of smoking and SHS/THS and want to decrease their exposure, but the persistence of cultural and contextual factors prevents them from fully engaging with 100% smoke-free policies.