Related Experiment Videos
Smoking in the home: changing attitudes and current practices
M J Ashley1, J Cohen, R Ferrence
1Ontario Tobacco Research Unit, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. maryjane.ashley@utoronto.ca
American Journal of Public Health
|May 20, 1998
Summary
Public opinion on not smoking around children at home has improved. However, more support is needed to reduce children's exposure to environmental tobacco smoke in homes.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Environmental Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Growing awareness of the health risks associated with secondhand smoke exposure.
- Previous research indicating varying attitudes and practices regarding smoking in homes with children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine trends in attitudes towards smoking in homes with children.
- To assess current practices of smoke-free homes in Ontario, Canada.
- To identify factors associated with smoke-free home environments.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of population-based survey data from adults in Ontario, Canada.
- Longitudinal examination of attitudes and practices between 1992 and 1996.
- Statistical association analysis between home smoking policies and respondent characteristics.
Main Results:
- Significant increase in agreement that parents should not smoke at home with young children (51% in 1992 to 70% in 1996).
- In 1996, 34% of surveyed homes were smoke-free.
- Smoke-free homes were more common among non-smokers, in households with children, and where no daily smokers resided.
- Only 20% of homes with children and daily smokers were smoke-free.
Conclusions:
- Public attitudes have shifted towards supporting smoke-free homes, particularly when children are present.
- Despite positive attitude trends, a substantial gap remains between ideal and actual smoke-free home practices.
- Targeted interventions are necessary to support parents in creating smoke-free environments and minimizing children's exposure to environmental tobacco smoke.