Relation between individual factors and support for smoking bans in bars in Greece: A cross-sectional study of the 2013 Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS)

INTRODUCTION: Smoking rates among the general population and among youth are decreasing in Greece. Low compliance with smoke-free legislation in indoor places in Greece renders non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke, especially when frequenting bars. The aim of the current study was to identify the factors related to support for smoking bans in bars in Greece. METHODS: A cross-sectional secondary data analysis was conducted on the 2013 Greek Global Adult Tobacco Survey. Multivariate regression was used to analyze individual factors and their relation to support for the smoking ban in bars. The total sample was nationally representative of the Greek population and included 3961 residents over the age of 15 with 2061 supporting a ban in bars. RESULTS: Overall, 50.5% (95% CI: 46.5-54.4) of Greeks supported the smoking ban in bars. Among them, 1,832 (74.9%, 95% CI=70.1-79.1) were non-smokers and 229 (13.7%, 95% CI=10.6-17.5) were smokers. Age over 65 years was significantly related to increased support for the smoking ban in bars compared to those aged 15-24 years (p<0.05). Belief that secondhand smoke causes lung cancer was significantly related (p<0.001) to having increased support for the ban. Increased knowledge of smoking-related harm was significantly related to increased support for the ban in bars (p<0.001). Male non-smokers were significantly less likely to support the ban in bars than females (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Increasing knowledge and awareness of smoking-related harm will enhance smoking ban support and compliance, improving tobacco prevention and cessation, especially among the youth and young adults.