155686 Public and Business Attitudes toward Second-hand Smoking Policies

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Ki H. Park, MA , Center for Social and Behavioral Research, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA
Melvin E. Gonnerman, Ph D , Center for Social and Behavioral Research, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA
Gene M. Lutz, PhD , Center for Social and Behavioral Research, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA
Second-hand smoking is linked with serious chronic diseases and increased risk for premature death. Recognition of these adverse health consequences varies by audience and characteristics of individual audience members. Results from two random samples within the same geographic and time contexts explicate these patterns. The Iowa Adult Tobacco Survey (IYTS) and Iowa Business Smoking Policy Survey (IBSPS) were both completed in 2006. The IATS is one of several such tobacco use state surveys of residential adults sponsored by CDC; and the IBTPS is a special Iowa survey of food-serving business owners/managers, assessing current smoking practices and opinions about future policies. Comparisons of views from the two survey sources about tobacco control, especially second-hand smoke exposure and policies for public places reveal the points of convergence of opinions, but also the divergent interests. These findings can inform and guide discussions of public policy by health care professionals, private businesses and political decision makers.

Learning Objectives:
1.Describe the opinions of Iowa adults versus food-serving business owners and managers regarding tobacco use, second-hand smoking, cigarette tax rates, and smoking policies. 2.Discuss the similarities and differences between Iowa adults and those in the food-serving businesses regarding the policies for reducing exposure to second-hand smoke. 3.Identify the differences between smokers and non-smokers in their attitudes about smoking policies in public places.

Keywords: Tobacco Policy, Tobacco Legislation

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No
Any institutionally-contracted trials related to this submission?

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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