RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 The tobacco endgame in Hong Kong: public support for a total ban on tobacco sales JF Tobacco Control JO Tob Control FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd SP 162 OP 167 DO 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2013-051092 VO 24 IS 2 A1 Man Ping Wang A1 Xin Wang A1 Tai Hing Lam A1 Kasisomayajula Viswanath A1 Sophia S Chan YR 2015 UL http://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/content/24/2/162.abstract AB Background Tobacco endgame policies are increasingly advocated to end tobacco use. This study investigated public support for a total ban on tobacco sales, use and possession in Hong Kong. Methods A telephone survey was conducted among 1537 randomly selected residents in 2012 to assess their support for a total ban on tobacco sales, usage and possession. Information on sociodemographic characteristics, smoking, and second hand smoke exposure were collected. Logistic regression was used to investigate factors associated with support for a total ban. Results Most of the never smokers (75.3%), ex-smokers (63.9%), and nearly half of current smokers (48.9%) backed some form of a total ban on tobacco. A total ban on tobacco sales was the most popular option among the three groups, with over half (64.8%) of all respondents supporting a ban within 10 years. Current smoking and higher educational attainment were associated with less support for a total ban on tobacco sales. Among current smokers, having quit intentions and attempts to quit were associated with support for a total ban. Conclusions A total ban on tobacco sales was supported by most respondents. Ex-smokers and current smokers also voiced substantial support, although less than never smokers. A total ban on tobacco sales before 2022 should be the goal as it is supported by most of the respondents. Interim tobacco control measures, such as tax increases, expansion of smoking cessation services and plain packaging should be implemented to help current smokers quit and reduce smoking initiation before implementation of the ban.