Public support for smoke-free areas in Israel: A case for action

Abstract Objective Secondhand smoke exposure (SHSe) harms adults and children. Though most governments are obliged by international health treaty to protect nonsmokers from SHSe, few adequately do so. Public opinion can provide a powerful mandate for smoke-free policies, but a representative public...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Health policy (Amsterdam) 2012-07, Vol.106 (2), p.161-168
Main Authors: Rosen, Laura J, Rier, David A, Schwartz, Robert, Oren, Anat, Kopel, Anna, Gevman, Alexandra, Zeller, Mitch, Connolly, Gregory
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Adults
Age Factors
Bans
Bars
Benefits
Cessation
Children
Data Collection
Educational Status
Female
Government policy
Health administration
Health policy
Humans
Income - statistics & numerical data
Internal Medicine
Israel
Israel - epidemiology
Legislation
Male
Middle Aged
Public health
Public Opinion
Secondhand smoke exposure (SHS
Sex Factors
SHSe
Smoking
Smoking Cessation - legislation & jurisprudence
Smoking Cessation - psychology
Tobacco
Tobacco control
Tobacco smoke exposure (TSE)
Tobacco Smoke Pollution - prevention & control
Treaties
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Summary:Abstract Objective Secondhand smoke exposure (SHSe) harms adults and children. Though most governments are obliged by international health treaty to protect nonsmokers from SHSe, few adequately do so. Public opinion can provide a powerful mandate for smoke-free policies, but a representative public voice is often absent from the political discussion. For example, following Cabinet approval of a national tobacco control plan, Israel remains embroiled in stormy debate about smoke-free legislation. This debate has unfolded without benefit of current empirical evidence on nationwide public support. The present study reports and assesses public opinion regarding smoke-free places. Methods A nationally representative survey ( n = 505) was conducted in December, 2010. The response rate was 61%. Results Public opinion supports smoke-free air in many places. There was broad consensus among current, former, and never-smokers for smoke-free cars carrying children (94.4%), and smoke-free healthcare facility entrances (92.6%). A clear majority (67.0%) supportedcompletely smoke-free bars and pubs. Nearly half (47.3%) supported eliminating school staff smoking rooms. Conclusions These data strengthen the case for the recent government-approved tobacco control plan. Valid data regarding public opinion on tobacco control can facilitate passage and implementation of smoke-free legislation, thus speeding transition to smoke-free societies.
ISSN:0168-8510
1872-6054
DOI:10.1016/j.healthpol.2012.03.012