Factors associated with support for smoke-free policies among government workers in Six Chinese cities: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: A certain level of public support for smoke-free environments is a prerequisite for adoption and enforcement of policies and can be used as an indicator of readiness for legislative action. This study assessed support for comprehensive smoke-free policies in a range of settings such as hotels and colleges among government workers in China and identified factors associated with support for smoke-free policies. Understanding the extent to which government workers, a large segment of the working population in China, report a smoke-free workplace and support for smoke-free policies may be important indicators of readiness for strengthened policies given their role in formulating, implementing and enforcing regulations. METHODS: Data were from an evaluation of the Tobacco Free Cities initiative of Emory University's Global Health Institute-China Tobacco Control Partnership. Self-administered surveys were completed by 6,646 workers in 160 government agencies in six Chinese cities. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with support for smoke-free worksites, bars, hotels, and colleges. RESULTS: Over half (54.6%) of participants were male. A large percentage of the male workers smoked (45.9%,) whereas very few women did (1.9%). Fewer than 50% of government workers reported smoke-free policies at work, with 19.0% reporting that smoking is allowed anywhere. Support for smoke-free policies was generally very high, with the lowest levels of support for smoke-free bars (79.0%) and hotels (82.3%), higher levels of support for restaurants (90.0%) and worksites (93.0%), and above 95% support for hospitals, schools, colleges, public transportation and religious settings. Knowledge of the harmfulness of secondhand smoke was positively associated with support for smoke-free policies. Stricter worksite smoking policies were associated with support for smoke-free workplaces and bars, but not hotels and colleges. Women and nonsmokers were more supportive of smoke-free policies in general. CONCLUSION: Government workers play important roles in formulating, implementing and enforcing regulations; results suggest support for a more comprehensive approach to smoke-free environments in China among workers across a broad range of agencies.

[Smoking prevention and control among students of middle schools in Shanghai].

OBJECTIVE: To appraise the effectiveness of a school-based smoking control program and explore the effective smoking prevention and control intervention model in middle schools. METHODS: Through two phase cluster sampling, students in grade 1 and grade 2 of two schools were assigned to intervention group and control group. Comprehensive smoking intervention was implemented in the intervention group for one year. The assessment was carried out through three phases: baseline, after intervention, and 6-month after intervention. RESULTS: After intervention, the proportion of attempt smoking rate in the recent one year decreased from 9.7% to 4.2% and the heavy passive smoking rate declined from 15.5% to 12.2%. In addition, some knowledge, attitudes and skills related to tobacco prevention among the students in the intervention group were significantly improved and most effects can be sustained at 6-month follow up survey. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that tobacco control in middle school was effective and feasible and it should be closely integrated with tobacco control in the community.

[Smoking prevention and control among elementary school students in Xuhui district, Shanghai].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a school-based smoking prevention and control intervention program among elementary school students. METHODS: Through two phase cluster sampling, 566 pupils in grade 4 and grade 5 of two schools were assigned to intervention group and control group. One year comprehensive smoking intervention was conducted in the intervention group. The assessment was carried out through three questionnaires: pre- and post-intervention, 6-month after intervention. RESULTS: After one year intervention, pupils in the intervention group significantly improved their knowledge and attitudes related to tobacco use. The rate of attempting smoking decreased form 7.8% to 2.6% and the rate of passive smoking from 53.6% to 41.8%. The difference between the intervention and control groups was statistically significant. However, several index started to decline at 6-month follow up survey. CONCLUSION: The result demonstrated the effectiveness and feasibility of tobacco control in elementary school and the positive effect must be developed.