A state-wide survey of hospital policy and practice concerning cigarette sales

This study was conducted to determine the current practices and problems with regard to the sale of cigarettes in the approved hospitals of Indiana. A questionnaire was sent to all approved hospitals within the state asking each hospital administrator to respond to specific questions concerning cigarette sales policy and practice. After an initial waiting period, a follow-up letter was sent to each nonresponder. Finally, a response rate of 99 per cent was achieved. It was found that approximately 58 per cent of respondents sold cigarettes, with the majority selling cigarettes both over the counter and through vending machines. However, among the 42 per cent of the sample not selling cigarettes, the vast majority (82 per cent) indicated that no problems were encountered with their no-sales policy and practice. On the basis of both a review of literature pertaining to the potential dangers of ambient cigarette smoke and the findings of this study, the writers concluded that a no-cigarette-sales policy in hospitals is reasonable, feasible, and desirable.