1. Public Opinion and Smoke-Free Laws.
- Author
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Rayens, Mary Kay, Hahn, Ellen J., Langley, Ronald E., Hedgecock, Susan, Butler, Karen M., and Greathouse-Maggio, Lisa
- Subjects
SMOKING policy ,PASSIVE smoking ,SMOKING ,PUBLIC health - Abstract
Public support for Lexington-Fayette County, Kentucky's smoke-free law, perception of health risks from exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS), smoking behaviors, and frequency of visiting restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues were assessed pre- and post-law. Two cohorts of noninstitutionalized adults (N = 2,146) were randomly selected and invited to participate in a 10- to 15-min telephone survey. Public support for the smoke-free law increased from 56% to 63%, and respondents were 1.3 times more likely to perceive SHS exposure as a health risk after the law took effect. Although adult smoking and home smoking policy did not change post-law, adults frequented public venues at least as much as before the law. Lexington adults favored the smoke-free legislation despite living in a traditionally protobacco climate. The smoke-free law acted as a public health intervention as it increased perception of risk of heart disease and cancer from SHS exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2007
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