Smoke-free Policies Research Articles

How do New Zealand youth perceive the smoke-free generation policy? A qualitative analysis

IntroductionAotearoa New Zealand (NZ) plans to introduce a smoke-free generation (SFG) policy, alongside denicotinisation and reducing the availability of tobacco products. The SFG has a clear rationale, yet we know...

A matter of freedom? Right-wing populist frames of Austria’s smoke-free policy

Abstract Background Even though right-wing populist parties (RWPP) are increasingly influential in Europe, their position on public health has hardly been researched. I aimed to fill this research gap by focusing on the case of the FPÖ (Freiheitliche Partei Österreichs) and its opposition to Austriás smoke-free policy. Understanding RWWP positions on health policy can help to prevent detrimental influences on health policy making. Therefore, this project aimed to investigate how the FPÖ framed Austria’s smoke-free policy and whether newspaper articles reflect these frames. Methods Online archives of the three most-read Austrian newspapers (Standard, Kurier, Kronenzeitung) were searched for articles on the policy published in November 2019, when the policy was implemented. Furthermore, speeches by FPÖ politicians in the parliamentary debate on the policy in June 2019 were identified via the parliamentary archive. Drawing on 4 speeches by FPÖ politicians and 29 newspaper articles, I used frame analysis to answer the research question. Results The analysis yielded that FPÖ politicians used authoritarian, populist, and libertarian frames to argue against the implementation of the smoke-free policy. Thus, the policy was portrayed as not being in the interest of the people, restricting personal and economic freedom, and as elitist. These frames were not reflected in newspaper reports that mainly focused on the practical aspects of the policy implementation. However, in contrast to politicians supporting the policy, FPÖ politicians were overrepresented in newspaper reports representing 47% of political actors cited in newspaper articles. Conclusions Authoritarian, populist, and libertarian frames were used by the FPÖ in opposition to the smoke-free policy. While these frames were not replicated by Austrian newspapers, RWP politicians were overrepresented in articles on the policy. These findings illustrate the importance of effective counter-framing by health advocates. Key messages • RWPP used authoritarian, populist, and libertarian frames to oppose Austria’s smoke-free policy. • Even though RWPP frames were not replicated in newspaper articles, RWPP politicians were overrepresented in reports on the policy.

Diffusion of smoke-free policies at outdoor sports clubs in the Netherlands

Abstract Background Although outdoor smoke-free policies (SFPs) at sports clubs represent an important new area of tobacco control, the majority of sports clubs are not smoke-free. This study aims to assess diffusion patterns of outdoor SFPs at sports clubs in the Netherlands, which may inform national strategies aimed at making all outdoor sports clubs smoke-free. Methods Using a retrospective, registry-based design, an inventory was made of football, field hockey, tennis, and korfball clubs that became smoke-free between 2016-2020. We determined the type of sports, number of members, and proportion of youth members. The degree of urbanization and density of smoke-free sports clubs were measured at the municipality level. The association between sports clubs’ characteristics, degree of urbanization, and SFP adoption was analysed using multilevel regression analysis. Horizontal diffusion was tested by analysing the association between the density and annual incidence of smoke-free sports clubs. Results Since 2016, the number of sports clubs with an outdoor SFP increased from 0.3% to 26.4%. Field hockey [OR compared to football 6.00 95% CI 4.46-8.07] and korfball clubs [OR 6.65 95% CI 4.98-8.87] and clubs with many (youth) members [OR 8.75 95% CI 6.20-2.35] were more likely to be smoke-free. SFPs spread from the most urbanized to less urbanized municipalities, which could mostly be attributed to sports clubs’ characteristics. A higher density of smoke-free sports clubs within municipalities was associated with an increased incidence of new SFPs in the following year. Conclusions Outdoor SFPs at sports clubs in the Netherlands diffused across horizontal and hierarchical lines. National strategies for smoke-free sports should monitor clubs that are more likely to stay behind, such as football and tennis clubs, smaller clubs, and clubs in less urbanized areas.

Extent of smoking at a Danish hospital with a smoke-free policy.

One-fifth of the Danish population smoke and exposure to second-hand smoke has well-documented adverse health effects. The smoking policy at hospital level prohibits hospital staff from smoking on the hospital grounds while patients and visitors may smoke in outdoor smoking cabins. This study aimed to quantify smoking at a Danish hospital and document any policy breaches. In April 2020, we collected cigarette butts and observed smokers at the outdoor grounds to document smoking behaviour. In total, 7152 cigarette butts were collected during one week and 368 people were observed smoking at the outdoor grounds during four observation days. Of all collected cigarette butts, 55% were collected outside the smoking cabins and 62% of all smokers were observed smoking outside the smoking cabins. In addition, 31 staff were observed smoking. This study documents that smoking is prevalent at a smoke-free hospital and that the smoking policy is frequently violated. The frequency of smoking outside the cabins may at least partly be influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Smoking at a hospital can expose patients, visitors and staff to second-hand smoke with subsequent adverse health effects. Hospitals could play an exemplary role towards a smoke-free society (and not the exception), but the opportunity is not always seized.

Barriers to prevent second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure among pregnant women and children in Egypt

Abstract Background The prevalence of daily second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure among pregnant non-smoking 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 behavior at home in Egypt. Methods Focus group discussions (FGDs) with pregnant women/mothers of children residing in urban/rural areas (n = 61). Data were coded and analyzed thematically. Results 61 participants were recruited, aged 18-49. They reported being never smokers and SHS exposure for themselves and their children was mainly at home. Pregnant women/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 having men who smoke in the household, doctors not being supportive regarding smoking cessation, SHS exposure is socially accepted and fear among women of damaging a relationship; being nervous about asking smokers to stop, and being worried about disputes and arguments with husband. 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 and unlikely to be effective. Conclusions This study increases our knowledge of the barriers of non-smoking Egyptian pregnant women/mother of children in creating and maintaining smoke free environment for themselves and their children. There is a need to denormalise SHS exposure and better enforcement of smoke free policies. Key messages • Better enforcement of smoke free policies, and more support for smoking cession services are needed in Egypt. • SHS policy, practice, and research should focus on male family members to increase their effectiveness.

Impact of smoke-free policies in hospitality venues and the home environment on smoking behaviour and exposure to second-hand smoke: results of two systematic reviews

Abstract Background Smoke-free policies (SFPs) have proven to be effective in protecting people from exposure to second-hand smoke (SHS) and lowering smoking rates. Our aims were to assess the impact of SFPs in hospitality venues (e.g. bars) on smoking behaviour of young people and to assess the impact of SFPs in the home environment on smoking behaviour and exposure to SHS. Methods Two reviews were conducted. The first was conducted in June 2020. We searched PubMed, Embase, and Scopus for studies that assessed the association between any form of SFPs in hospitality venues and a measure of smoking behaviour among young people (aged 10-24 years). The second review will be conducted in June 2022. Searches will be conducted in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, PsycINFO and CENTRAL. We will search for studies that assess the association between any form of SFPs in the home environment (e.g. multi-unit housing) and a measure of smoking behaviour (e.g. initiation) or SHS exposure. Results Nine studies (publication years 2005-2016) were included in the first review, of which the majority used a quasi-experimental design. Four studies evaluated SFPs in hospitality venues specifically. Two studies reported that strict, but not weaker, SFPs decrease progression to established smoking. Two other studies provided mixed results. Five studies also included other workplaces, of which three studies found significant decreases in current smoking, smoking frequency, and/or smoking quantity. The results of the second review will be presented in detail during the workshop, however an exploration suggests that SFPs in the home environment may prevent smoking and SHS exposure. Conclusions Most studies of the first review found that SFPs in hospitality venues are associated with a decrease in smoking behaviour among young people. Their results indicate the need for strict smoke-free legislation without exemptions. The conclusions of the second review will be presented during the workshop.

Stages of the Smoke-Free Policy Implementation in a Psychiatric Hospital: Evolution, Effects, and Complications

Background: The Smoke-free Policy represents a challenge in mental health services. Aim: To compare the stages of a smoke-free policy in a psychiatric hospital, according to the prevalence of smokers, hospital admission acceptance by hospitalized people, psychiatric complications, and the prescription of psychotropic drugs. Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted with a comparison before and after implementing the Smoke-free Policy in a psychiatric hospital. Secondary data were obtained in 2020 from the medical records of 573 discharged people from psychiatric hospitalizations between September 2017 and August 2018. Fisher’s exact test and the Kruskal-Wallis test were applied. Results: In the transition stage, there were more hospitalizations by court order, discharge motivated by the patient’s disruptiveness behavior, administration of psychotropic drugs before the schedule time, physical aggression, physical/chemical restraints, length of stay, and dosage of psychotropic drugs. After the ban, there was a reduction in discharges motivated by the patient’s disruptiveness behavior and an increase in discharge due to improvement in psychiatric symptoms, less occurrence of anticipation or modification in the use of psychotropic drugs, and fewer attempts to escape, aggressiveness, and physical restraint. Conclusion: The implementation of the Smoke-free Policy has a positive impact on psychiatric hospitalizations, with an increase in discharge due to improvement in psychiatric symptoms and a reduction in discharges due to other reasons. However, the transition stage requires greater attention from the nursing team, as the moment of adaptation to new rules and routines is followed by a momentary worsened behavior of those hospitalized.

Which smokers enroll in a hospital based smoking cessation trial? Survey of smoking related behaviors, quit attempts, and motivation to quit.

Understanding smoking behaviors in hospital patients who smoke may improve inpatient cessation treatments. This study aimed to describe smoking-related behaviors, past-quit attempts, and self-reported difficulties experienced in quitting among those who enrolled in a smoking cessation trial of varenicline. Baseline data were obtained from adult hospitalized smokers (average ≥ 10 cigarettes/day in 4-weeks prior to hospitalization) who enrolled in a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of varenicline ± nicotine lozenges at five Australian public hospitals. A logistic regression model tested the association between participant characteristics and quitting in the previous 12 months. Participants' (n=320; 57% male, 52.5 ± 12.1 years old) motivation and confidence in quitting were high. A total of 120 participants (37.5%) had attempted quitting in the previous 12-months. Prior hospitalization (P= .008) and employment status (P= .015) were significantly associated with past quit attempts. No statistically significant differences were noted in the reason for hospitalization or the level of nicotine dependence between participants who attempted quitting in the previous 12 months and their counterparts. Smoking cessation pharmacotherapy was used by 55% of those attempting to quit; nicotine replacement therapy (65.2%) and varenicline (16.7%) most common. Stress or anxiety, urges to smoke and a lack of motivation were the difficulties experienced in past quit attempts. Those who had a prior hospitalization and were unemployed had significantly greater odds of reporting past quit attempts. Further research is needed to investigate the degree of adherence among inpatient smokers with the smoke-free hospital policies and the frequency of NRT provision and uptake on admission.

Trends in Deaths Attributable to Smoking in China, Japan, United Kingdom, and United States From 1990 to 2019.

Objectives: This study aimed to estimate the long-term trends of deaths attributable smoking in China, Japan, the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (US). Methods: Using 2000–2019 death data from Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019, we estimated age-period-cohort effects on smoking attributable mortality, and decomposed of differences in smoking-attributable deaths in 1990 and 2019 into demographic factors. Results: From 1990 to 2019, smoking-attributable deaths increased in China, which was due to population growth and demographic aging. From 1990 to 2019, both age-standardized smoking attributable mortality rates trended downward across countries. Among four countries, age rate ratios (RRs) for smoking-attributable mortality increased with age, while period and cohort RRs decreased with year. Conclusion: The age-standardized mortality rates, period effects and cohort effects of smoking attributable mortality in China, Japan, UK, and US have been declining in both sexes from 1990 to 2019, which suggests that smoke-free policies, help to quit tobacco use, improved health education, more accessible healthcare service, and increased taxes have been effective. Additionally, increased smoking attributable deaths in elderly should got more attention.

Exposure to secondhand aerosol from electronic cigarettes at homes: A real-life study in four European countries

Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use emits potentially hazardous compounds and deteriorates indoor air quality. Home is a place where e-cigarettes may frequently be used amid its increasing prohibition in public places. This study assessed the real-life scenario of bystanders' exposure to secondhand e-cigarette aerosol (SHA) at home. A one-week observational study was conducted within the TackSHS project in four countries (Greece, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom) in 2019 including: 1) homes of e-cigarette users living together with a non-user/non-smoker; and 2) control homes with no smokers nor e-cigarette users. Indoor airborne nicotine, PM2.5, and PM1.0 concentrations were measured as environmental markers of SHA. Biomarkers, including nicotine and its metabolites, tobacco-specific nitrosamines, propanediol, glycerol, and metals were measured in participants' saliva and urine samples. E-cigarette use characteristics, such as e-cigarette refill liquid's nicotine concentration, e-cigarette type, place of e-cigarette use at home, and frequency of ventilation, were also collected. A total of 29 e-cigarette users' homes and 21 control homes were included. The results showed that the seven-day concentrations of airborne nicotine were quantifiable in 21 (72.4 %) out of 29 e-cigarette users' homes; overall, they were quite low (geometric mean: 0.01 μg/m3; 95 % CI: 0.01–0.02 μg/m3) and were all below the limit of quantification in control homes. Seven-day concentrations of PM2.5 and PM1.0 in e-cigarette and control homes were similar. Airborne nicotine and PM concentrations did not differ according to different e-cigarette use characteristics. Non-users residing with e-cigarette users had low but significantly higher levels of cotinine, 3′-OH-cotinine and 1,2-propanediol in saliva, and cobalt in urine than non-users living in control homes. In conclusion, e-cigarette use at home created bystanders' exposure to SHA regardless of the e-cigarette use characteristics. Further studies are warranted to assess the implications of SHA exposure for smoke-free policy.

Nurses' Perspectives on Smoking Policies, Safety and Cessation Support in Psychiatric Wards: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

A high prevalence of smoking and low rates of smoking cessation interventions can be observed in psychiatric wards. A questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study was performed in five hospitals among 107 psychiatric ward nurses. The aim was to investigate nurses’ views on patients’ smoking practices and their influence on the safety of both the patients and medical personnel. In addition, we asked about the availability of smoking cessation support. Most of the respondents noticed the negative impacts of smoking on patients and medical personnel. Nearly a third of our respondents (29.0%) recalled smoking-related accidents in their facilities. In 45.2% of these accidents, a patient set someone else on fire. Around one fifth of nurses had rather permissive attitudes towards tobacco use in hospital wards. Significant associations were identified between respondents’ smoking status and their opinions on amending smoking policies and on unsupervised smoking. Regarding professional help available to smoking patients, 88.8% of participants reported that interventions to address smoking were available in their wards. Psychiatric hospitalisation can be an opportunity to offer tobacco treatment to patients with mental health conditions. To make use of this opportunity, smoke-free policies need to be put in place and hospital personnel, particularly nurses, should be trained and equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to assist in the smoking care of psychiatric ward patients.

Factors associated with smoking behaviour changes during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan: a 6-month follow-up study

BackgroundSmoking behaviour may have changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the April 2020 revised smoke-free policy and the high prevalence of heated tobacco product (HTP) use in Japan (10.9% in...

When Hotel Guests Complain About Tobacco, Electronic Cigarettes, and Cannabis: Lessons for Implementing Smoking Bans.

We analyzed reviews on tripadvisor.com from a random sample of N = 477 hotels in ten large cities in the US to examine how well existing policies protect guests from exposure to tobacco, electronic cigarette, and cannabis (TEC) smoke. We examined the association between complaints per 100 reviews with hotel smoking policies, star rating, cost, brand, and location. Of all TEC complaints, 80% were associated with thirdhand smoke residue lingering in hotels from previous guests. Compared to the hotel brands with the best records, the two worst-performing brands had 3.4- and 3.6-times higher complaint rates (P < .001). Hotels with ≤2-star ratings had twice the complaints as higher-rated hotels (P < .001). Compared to 100% smokefree hotels, those offering designated smoking rooms had a 35% higher rate of complaints (P < .05). The success of some hotel brands demonstrates it is feasible to protect guests by fully committing to, implementing, and enforcing 100% smokefree building policies.

Attitudes of staff towards smoke-free environments in psychiatric hospitals in Germany.

INTRODUCTIONSmoke-free environments have already been successfully introduced in hospitals world-wide. But despite convincing evidence of their success, many countries still struggle to make the necessary changes. Not only is the smoking prevalence higher amongst people with mental health problems and staff working in psychiatric units, but employees in psychiatry often resist the implementation of smoke-free policies. This study explores staff attitudes towards smoke-free environments in psychiatric hospitals in Germany and tries to identify barriers and opportunities for implementation.METHODSThis cross-sectional online survey was carried out at eight psychiatric units of the state-owned healthcare company Vivantes Netzwerk für Gesundheit GmbH in Berlin, Germany, in 2019. A total of 448 members of staff were surveyed on their views towards creating a smoke-free environment in their workplace.RESULTSPsychiatric staff present contradictory attitudes towards implementing smoke-free regulations. On the one hand, a majority recognizes the need for smoke-free environments as they promote physical well-being of staff and patients. On the other hand, a majority opposes comprehensive restrictions like a complete smoking ban. Smokers are more likely than non-smokers to resist restrictive measures and show a tendency to only support those measures which they deem unlikely to affect their own smoking habits.CONCLUSIONSThe contradictory attitudes towards implementing smoke-free regulations present an entry point to elicit behavior change and a shift in attitudes, for example in staff training on smoke-free environments. Staff who smoke, in particular, should be motivated to reflect on the contradiction that is presented by their private smoking behavior and their role as healthcare professionals.

Progress and challenges in tobacco control policies in Mexico, 2003-2017: an approach using the Tobacco Control Scale.

The study aims to assess the implementation of tobacco control policies in Mexico from 2003 through 2017 using the Tobacco Control Scale (TCS). The TCS is a research tool widely used in the European region. It facilitates assessment of tobacco control policy implementation based on six cost-effective interventions: tobacco taxes, smoke-free policies, advertising bans, public spending on the information campaign, health warnings, and smoking cessation treatment, reflecting results in a total score between 0 and 100. From 2003 through 2017, Mexico's total score improved from 24/100 to 55/100, with substantial progress in raising tobacco taxes, 11 subnational smoke-free laws, and with placement on cigarette packs of large health warnings with pictograms. Progress in tobacco control policies implemented in this period corresponds with a decrease in smoking prevalence across Mexico. This tool is useful for monitoring tobacco policy implementation in low- and middle-income countries and be used for advocacy purposes to enforce and improve tobacco control legislation.

Factors associated with secondhand smoke exposure among non-smoking employees in the workplace: A cross-sectional study in Qingdao, China.

ObjectiveThis study was conducted to describe secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure among non-smoking employees in the workplace, and identify factors related to SHS exposure in Qingdao.MethodsThe study participants covered key non-smoking places stipulated in the “Qingdao City Smoking Control Regulations,” which included three categories: restaurants, bars, and office buildings. Airborne nicotine concentration in the workplace and saliva cotinine concentration of employees were measured. The questionnaire included employees’ demographic factors, smoke-free measures in the workplace, employers’ tobacco hazard knowledge, and attitudes towards smoke-free policy.ResultsA total of 222 non-smoking employees and 46 non-smoking employers were included in the study. The median concentrations of airborne nicotine and salivary cotinine were 0.389 μg/m3 and 0.575 ng/mL, respectively. Educational status, average number of workplace smokers per day, exposure time to SHS in the workplace, and whether smoking and non-smoking areas were divided significantly related to airborne nicotine concentration. Age, educational status, exposure time to SHS in the workplace, tobacco control training and publicity, and whether the employers support the “Qingdao Tobacco Control Regulation” were significantly related to salivary cotinine concentration.ConclusionsDespite the implementation of the “Qingdao Smoking Control Regulations” in 2013, the workplace remains an important location for SHS exposure. Interventions such as raising workers’ awareness of the risks associated with SHS exposure through health education and developing smoking prevention and cessation programs to reduce SHS exposure in the workplace are urgently needed.

Secondhand smoke exposure among never-smoking adolescents in Wuhan, China

Without smoke-free legislation in Wuhan, China, we investigated secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure at home, school, and public places for never-smoking school-going adolescents in 2019. A cross-sectional study was carried out within the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) framework. Weighted univariate, bivariate and multivariable analyses were conducted. The prevalence of SHS exposure among never-smoking adolescents at home, school and public places was 25.7%, 31.9% and 48.9%, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that parents smoking, peers smoking and observing teachers smoking in school were all significantly related to a higher probability of SHS exposure at home, school, and public places. Never-smoking adolescents who had smoking parents had 14 times (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 14.00; 95% confidence interval [CI], 11.37–17.24) higher odds of SHS exposure at home; Never-smoking adolescents who observed teachers smoking in school had about 10 (aOR = 9.76; 95% CI = 7.13–13.36) and four times (aOR = 3.55; 95% CI = 2.77–4.55) higher odds of SHS exposure in school and public places, respectively. Adopting comprehensive smoke-free legislation in public places and smoke-free home rules and implementing and supervising smoke-free school policies may further reduce SHS exposure among adolescents.

Surgical smoke: how an issue in healthcare fits a planetary health framework.

The smoke generated from electrocautery machines may be harmful to health. Healthcare in general, and surgery in particular, has a large environmental footprint. The aims of this study were to discover what healthcare workers thought about the problem of electrocautery smoke, the idea of a surgical smoke-free policy, and to formulate ideas on how the matter could be approached in an environmentally and socially responsible way. Operating room personnel in a tertiary referral hospital were invited to complete a survey about electrocautery smoke: perceived risks, current exposure, and measures to minimise exposure. Quantitative data were analysed in a generalised linear model, and qualitative data by reflexive thematic analysis within a constructivist theoretical framework. The survey response rate was 463/1234 (38%). Most supported a smoke-free policy (89%). Support for a policy was positively correlated with the perceived risk of electrocautery smoke (p<0.001. Support was lower amongst males (p<0.05). Themes from the qualitative analysis developed around nature, society and technology. A framework was developed consisting of earth and its ecosystems, human health, governance, economics, society, and the interconnected of these systems. Although smoke-free policies form part of the solution to electrocautery smoke, they are not the whole solution. Healthcare issues, in this case the issue of electrocautery smoke, could be tackled within a planetary health healthcare framework, promoting a systems approach. Applicability of the framework requires confirmation by further research.

Municipal smoke-free laws and preterm birth

Smoking during pregnancy and prenatal secondhand smoke exposure increase the risk of preterm birth. As Kentucky has the second highest rate of smoking in the United States and no statewide smoke-free law, an examination of the effect of municipal smoke-free legislation on preterm birth is warranted. This study used state-level live birth data and county-level municipal smoke-free legislation status to assess the association between the presence and strength of smoke-free laws and the likelihood of preterm birth. Moreover, this study hypothesized that pregnant persons living in counties with comprehensive municipal smoke-free laws prohibiting smoking inside all workplaces and enclosed public places would exhibit a lower likelihood of preterm birth than those living in counties with weak or moderate laws (ie, smoke-free laws with exemptions that do not cover all workplaces and enclosed public places) or no smoke-free law. Using live birth data from the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics with birth years ranging from 2004 to 2020, a total of 894,372 live births were recorded that indicated that a childbearing person was between the ages of 18 and 49 years and a resident of Kentucky; these live births formed the sample for the study. Municipal ordinances implemented during a given calendar year were coded in the model as present starting with the following calendar year, as the birth records were time deidentified except for the year of birth. This lagged law convention maximized the likelihood that pregnant persons included in the study were exposed to the smoke-free policy for at least a portion of their pregnancy. Multilevel logistic regression was used to assess the effect of smoke-free ordinances on the likelihood of preterm birth, with personal- and county-level variables included as potential covariates and pregnant persons nested within the county of residence. Data analysis was conducted using SAS (version 9.4; SAS Institute, Cary, NC), with an alpha level of .05. Nearly all personal-level variables were associated with preterm birth status. Personal factors associated with an increased likelihood of preterm birth included being older (relative to 18-24 years old; odds ratios [95% confidence intervals]: 1.02 [1.01-1.04] and 1.27 [1.24-1.31] for ages 25-34 and 35-49 years, respectively); having a history of preterm birth (odds ratio, 4.65; 95% confidence interval, 4.53-4.78); and smoking before pregnancy (odds ratio, 1.14; 95% confidence interval, 1.12-1.16). Pregnant persons living in counties with comprehensive laws were 9% less likely to have a preterm birth than those living in counties without a smoke-free ordinance (odds ratio, 0.91; 95% confidence interval, 0.89-0.94; P<.001). There was no difference in the likelihood of preterm birth between those living in counties with moderate or weak laws and those unprotected by any smoke-free ordinance in their county of residence. This study demonstrated that comprehensive municipal smoke-free laws are associated with reduced risk of preterm birth and that moderate or weak smoke-free laws are not. The findings have major implications for public health policy and underscore the potential influence of healthcare providers' advocacy for strong smoke-free policies, prohibiting smoking in all workplaces (including restaurants, bars, and casinos), to support healthy pregnancies.

Indigenous Māori perspectives of smokefree parks

ObjectiveThis study aims to understand the context of place associated with smoking in urban Hamilton parks from a Te Ao Māori perspective (the worldview of Māori, the Indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand). MethodsOur study approached smokefree environments in Hamilton through a Māori lens, undertaking interviews with family groups and people from organisations involved in the local Smokefree environments policy. ResultsThe majority of the 26 adult participants identified as Māori, with 30% being current smokers. Parks had a place in the sporting memories of participants. Smoking was merged with these memories. Important features of places that influenced smoking behaviours were raised, with signage a key talking point. ConclusionsThe colonial construct of parks do not make visible Māori values and historical associations with the land, nor do they set a framework that would promote Māori ways of being and doing, including enacting smokefree spaces and places. Implications for public healthThis study provides the incentive to address change in parks and reserve management that would support Māori aspirations for their health and wellbeing associated with ancestral land, and give meaning to smokefree environments.