Effect of Anti-Smoking Legislation in Public Places

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of anti-smoking legislation in public places and public support for smoking ban. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in public places such as market, bus/railway station, workplaces and hospitals in Udaipur, India. Informed consent was obtained. The questionnaire comprised of details about their agreement with the current anti-smoking legislation and their views on the support for smoking ban in public places. FINDINGS: The study was conducted among 314 individuals of whom 255 (81.2%) supported the general ban on smoking in public places. Non-smokers (54.4%) agreed more than smokers that the introduction of legislation would create healthier environment (P < 0.001), second hand smoke is serious threat to health (P < 0.001), more implementation needed for current antismoking legislation (P < 0.001). Smokers (45.5%) agreed more than non-smokers that everyone has the right to smoke in public places (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Local support for a ban on smoking in public places in Udaipur is high. But there is a lack of enforcing mechanism in support of the legislation and hence complete smoking ban along with strong enforcement may provide better results.