Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Unlike most countries smoking ban in closed public places in Greece has been ineffective since its enactment in 2009.
AIM: This study aims to assess the degree of public acceptance of the recent smoking ban in Greece and analyze the parameters influencing its acceptance.
METHODS: This research is based on 540 valid questionnaires collected between February and April 2011 in Athens area and suburbs. Respondents have been chosen as a representative human sample from the last census of Greece.
Statistical analysis was initially based on the mean values of the responses concerning smoking habits and opinions about smoking ban. Comparison of responses and correlation with respondents' personal data have been made.
RESULTS:
• 42% of the respondents were smokers with 20% among them being highly addicted (FTND: Fangestrom Test Of Nicotine Dependence).
• 65% of the respondents agree with a smoking ban in all closed public places.
• 50% believe that smoking restrictions could not be sustainably implemented.
• 66% consider that the smoking ban will not have an impact on the overall number of cigarettes that is consumed.
• 65% do not consider smoking ban as a social discrimination against smokers.
• 75% consider that smoking ban will have an impact on entertainment.
The degree of acceptance of smoking restrictions is:
o Lower in smokers compared to non-smokers
o Correlates with smokers's addiction.
o Higher in high educated respondents.
CONCLUSIONS:
There is a high willingness, in the Greek society (smokers included) to accept reinforced smoking ban in designated public places. However, the lack of robustness in the governmental policy is an inhibitor to effective implementation of targeted measures.
- © 2014 ERS