RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Support for smoke-free policies among smokers and non-smokers in six cities in China: ITC China Survey
JF Tobacco Control
JO Tob Control
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
SP i40
OP i46
DO 10.1136/tc.2009.029850
VO 19
IS Suppl 2
A1 Li, Q
A1 Hyland, A
A1 O'Connor, R
A1 Zhao, G
A1 Du, L
A1 Li, X
A1 Fong, G T
YR 2010
UL http://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/content/19/Suppl_2/i40.abstract
AB Objective To examine levels of support for comprehensive smoke-free policies in six large Chinese cities.Methods Data from Wave 1 of the International Tobacco Control (ITC) China Survey (April–August 2006) were analysed. The ITC China Survey employed a multistage sampling design in Beijing, Shenyang, Shanghai, Changsha, Guangzhou and Yinchuan (none of which has comprehensive smoke-free policies in place). Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 4815 smokers and 1270 non-smokers. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with support for comprehensive smoke-free policies.Results About one in two Chinese urban smokers and four in five non-smokers believed that secondhand smoke (SHS) causes lung cancer. The majority of respondents supported comprehensive smoke-free policies in hospitals, schools and public transport vehicles while support for smoke-free workplaces, restaurants and bars was lower. Levels of support were generally comparable between smokers and non-smokers. Support for comprehensive smoke-free policies was positively associated with knowledge about the harm of SHS. Respondents who worked in a smoke-free worksite or who frequented smoke-free indoor entertainment places were more likely to support comprehensive smoking restriction in bars and restaurants.Conclusion Considerable support for smoke-free policies exists in these six large cities in China. Greater public education about the dangers of SHS may further increase support. Experiencing the benefits of smoke-free indoor entertainment places and/or workplaces increases support for these policies and suggests that some initial smoke-free policy implementation may hasten the diffusion of these public health policies.