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Robert Cameron McMillen, PhD, Social Science Research Center, 103 Research Park, Mississippi State, MS 39762, 662.325.2742, robert.mcmillen@ssrc.msstate.edu and Arthur C. Cosby, PhD, Social Science Research Center, Mississippi State University, 103 Research Park, Starkville, MS 39759.
Background: In 2003, we presented findings from three consecutive cross-sectional assessments of the social climate of tobacco control. Results from these three surveys demonstrated significant increases in the percent of smokers who ban smoking in their homes and in support for smoking bans in public places among smokers.
Objective: To determine who are the smokers that ban smoking in their homes and who support smoking bans in public places.
Methods: Four consecutive cross-sectional household telephone surveys representing national probability samples of adults from all 50 states were conducted in the summers of 2000 to 2003.
Results: Cooperation response rates among contacted households for each year of the survey 2000-2003 were (74.9%, 84.2%, 85.5%, and 75.4% respectively. Responses from 2162 smokers revealed that household smoking bans are more prevalent among females than males, Euro-Americans than African-Americans, smokers who live in the western region than those in other regions of the US, younger smokers than older smokers, and smokers with higher levels of education (p<.05 for all comparisons). Results demonstrated similar demographic variation regarding support for smoking bans in public places.
Significance: These data, we believe, have a number of implications for tobacco control interventions. Ultimately, most tobacco control policies are aimed at the smoker. A better understanding of which smokers are receptive to these policies can improve efforts to reduce the prevalence of cigarette smoking and ETS exposure.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Smoking, Tobacco Policy
Related Web page: www.ssrc.msstate.edu/socialclimate
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.