Impact of demographic characteristics on individual support for smoke free indoor workplace laws

Objective: It is important that policy makers understand the basis of support of their constituents for clean air policies. The purpose of this study was to assess the extent selected demographic characteristics affect attitudes about community and/or state legislation to make all public buildings, including all workplaces, restaurants and bars, smoke free. Design: Data were obtained from a 2008 cross-sectional study of 2,140 Indiana adults conducted by the Indiana Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Agency and included 11 demographic variables. Bivariate chi-square and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to test for significant associations between socio-demographic characteristics and support for a statewide or community smoking ban. Results: Nearly three-quarters (72.3%) of the respondents supported a community or statewide ban on smoking in indoor work areas. Three variables were significant predictors of support: never or former smokers were more supportive, as were females, and those who were more aware of the health hazards of secondhand smoke. It is important to note that age, race and ethnicity, income, urban or rural location, education level, employment status, and having children at home did not affect support for workplace smoking bans. Conclusions: Clean air policies produce a safer environment for non-smokers with their improved health and economic benefits but also provide motivation for those quitting tobacco use and thus are important to enact. The results of this study could be important in further increasing focused public awareness strategies to help develop more effective public health policy and legislation aimed at reducing exposure to secondhand smoke.