Effect of Home Smokefree Rules on Smoking Cessation

Objectives This study aims to examine influences of home smokefree environment on smoker's subsequent smoking cessation behaviors (cigarette smoked reduction, successful cessation, and smoking relapse), and takes into account the roles of self motivation and family pressure on quit smoking in those relationships.

Methods The data comes from the longitudinal Tobacco Use Supplements to the Current Population Survey (TUS-CPS) 2002 – 2003. We use the overlapping observations, and apply a multivariate logistic regression to gauge the influences of one's home smokefree rule adoption on the subsequent cessation behaviors. The presence of children and nonsmoking adults in the households are used as proxy measures for family pressure on quit smoking; previous smoking intentions and attempts as proxy measures for smokers' strength of quit motivation.

Results The results indicate that home smokefree rules significantly increase subsequent smoking cessation behaviors even after controlling for self motivation and family pressure on quitting. In addition, family pressure on quitting imposes an additional effect on increased smoking cessation among those who are covered by home smokefree rules.

Conclusions This study informs tobacco control policy making and programs to recognize the potential for smokefree home policies to promote smoking cessation. The results may encourage smokers‟ family members to reinforce their desire for a smokefree home environment, not only to decrease their SHS exposure but also to facilitate successful smoking cessation, maximizing the benefits of smokefree homes.