Public support for new tobacco control measures in Poland: A cross-sectional survey 2024

This study assessed public support for new tobacco control measures in Poland, including a smoking ban on private balconies, regular tobacco tax increases, and a total ban on tobacco sales.

A nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2024 using a computer-assisted web interview (CAWI). The 1080 adults (aged 18-82 years) were interviewed, of which 53% were females. A self-prepared questionnaire included questions on support for various tobacco control measures. The primary outcomes were levels of support for each proposed measure. Attitudes were measured using a 5-point Likert scale, and independent variables included sociodemographic factors and smoking status.

The smoking ban on private balconies was supported by 44.1% of respondents, with higher support among older adults, non-smokers, and those with higher education. Support for annual tobacco tax increases was 47.1%, particularly among younger and middle-aged adults, the educated, and non-smokers. A total of 41.8% of respondents declared support for the total ban on tobacco sales. Higher education, non-smoking status, and voluntary smoke-free home rules were significantly associated (p<0.05) with higher support for all three tobacco control measures. There was no significant impact (p>0.05) of the gender, financial status, household size, and location of the place of residence on public support of analyzed tobacco control measures.

This study revealed that less than half of adults in Poland declare support for extensive tobacco regulations such as a smoking ban on private balconies, taxation increases, and a ban on tobacco sales. Educational level and smoking status are significantly associated with public attitudes toward tobacco control measures.