RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Short-term impact of a university based smoke free campaign.
JF Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health
JO J Epidemiol Community Health
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
SP 710
OP 715
DO 10.1136/jech.53.11.710
VO 53
IS 11
A1 J F Etter
A1 A Ronchi
A1 T Perneger
YR 1999
UL http://jech.bmj.com/content/53/11/710.abstract
AB STUDY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a smoke free programme implemented at the University of Geneva, Switzerland, in 1996. This programme included a prohibition to smoke in university buildings everywhere except in limited areas, and a smoking cessation counselling service. METHODS: Surveys were conducted before and four months after the programme was implemented, in representative samples of programme participants (n = 833) and university members not exposed to the programme (n = 1023). RESULTS: In retrospective assessments, participants reported being less bothered by environmental tobacco smoke after programme implementation, but no between group difference was detected in prospective assessments. Relationships between smokers and non-smokers improved moderately in the intervention group and remained unchanged in the comparison group (between group p = 0.001). Proportions of smokers who attempted to quit smoking in the past four months increased from 2.0% to 3.8% in the intervention group and remained unchanged at 3.5% in the comparison group (between group difference: p = 0.048). No impact on smoking prevalence (25%) was detected. The programme was appreciated by university members, although some of its modalities were criticised. CONCLUSION: A regulation prohibiting smoking everywhere but in limited areas of university buildings was acceptable and reduced the perception of bother by environmental tobacco smoke. It did not, however, influence smoking habits or attitudes toward smoking.