Introduction: Restrictions on smoking in public places and in households are becoming more common. These restrictions, often established to protect nonsmokers from secondhand smoke, may also assist smokers to quit. We assessed whether household restrictions at baseline influenced 21-month follow-up quit rates in a population-based cohort of smokers. Methods: In June 1999, we attempted to recontact all smokers (N=1135) identified in a 1997 population-based telephone survey of adult Oregonians. 581 were located and interviewed regarding home smoking restrictions, current smoking status and other characteristics. We used multivariate logistic regression to estimate the effect of home smoking ban on the probability of quitting. Results: 108 of 563 baseline smokers (19.2%) had not smoked for at least seven days at follow-up. Among persons who at baseline reported no intention to quit in the following month, (precontemplation or contemplation stage), a full ban on household smoking had no effect on the probability of quitting (RR=.99, 95% CI=.41-2.36). For persons who reported at baseline an intention to quit smoking in the following month (preparation stage), a full ban increased quitting substantially (RR=4.35, 95% CI=1.42-13.29), compared to persons with no ban or a partial ban and not yet in the preparation stage. Estimates were adjusted for age, sex and race. Conclusion: If smokers are ready to quit, a full ban on smoking may assist them to do so. Home smoking bans could be promoted via public health messages as part of state-level comprehensive programs for tobacco control.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the learner will be able to summarize the evidence presented that household smoking restrictions help smokers quit smoking
Keywords: Tobacco Control, Smoking Cessation
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.