A population survey on legislative measures to restrict smoking in Ontario: 2. Knowledge, attitudes, and predicted...

From the results of a population survey (n = 1,383) in the province of Ontario on legislative measures to restrict cigarette smoking we conclude that more is known about the adverse effects of active smoking than about those of passive smoking. Most people supported some degree of restriction in 13 specified locations. A majority supported total bans on smoking in day care and health-related facilities. Most respondents thought municipal governments should be responsible for legislating such bans and owner/managers responsible for enforcing them. However, there were a variety of opinions on the effectiveness of legislation in helping people to quit smoking. Responses differed slightly according to the geographic locations of the respondents, with residents of urban areas with bylaws being more restrictive. We suggest that such opinions and attitudes be studied further before legislative measures are enacted, so that all segments of the population are satisfied and unnecessary conflicts can be avoided.