Impact of comprehensive smoke-free policy compliance on SHS exposure and health condition of the Georgian population

INTRODUCTION: Georgia made steps forward in 2017 and adopted new amendments to its tobacco control legislation, which mostly correspond to the FCTC requirements. Among other changes in the regulations is a ban on smoking in public buildings and public transport, with a few exemptions (casinos, big slot clubs, performances in theatres, taxis). The regulation entered into force on 1 May 2018. METHODS: The aim of the study is to assess the outcomes of the comprehensive smoke-free legislation in Georgia. We used a logical model for data collection and analysis. Our evaluation focuses on smoking prevalence related survey data, SHS exposure, monitoring results on compliance of new tobacco control regulations, Quitline data, and air quality measurement results. RESULTS: The indoor air quality improved by 91% in the hospitality sector (from 1408 to 126 μg/m(3) in 2018 and 117 μg/m(3) in 2019), by 80% in public settings (from 531 to 112 μg/m(3) in 2018 and 98 μg/m(3) in 2019) and sufficiently in healthcare facilities (from 219 to 97–98 μg/m(3) in 2018–2019). Demand for Quitline services increased by 30%. New cases of AMI declined by 32% during 2017–2019. CONCLUSIONS: A comprehensive smoke-free policy with a high level of compliance (≥95%) had a positive impact on the decline of SHS exposure and tremendous improvement of indoor air quality in public places and promotes a decrease in illnesses related to the cardiovascular system in Georgia. Also, demand increased for smoking-cessation services.