Abstract
Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of legislation of smoke-free areas and social responsibility project which was initiated to increase the smoking cessation rates in Kocaeli on smoking rates.
Material and method: The sample selection was made based on population numbers in towns of Kocaeli city and smoking habits of population over the age of 18 were evaluated by a questionnaire survey by phone before and after smoking cessation activities that carried out in 9 towns of the city in a year. These results were compared with the data of previous year.
Results: Totally 2441 subjects included the study. The percentage of the current smokers was 31.7% in male population which was significantly higher than females (14.2%). The overall smoking prevalence was decreased to 24% which was found as 32% in 2009.
There was a statistically significant decrease of smoking rates in all educational levels. It was found that one-third of current smokers had at least one attempt for quitting smoking. One of every ten person remembers the regional activities for quit smoking without significant difference between gender and education level.
Conclusion: Smoking cessation rates are increased with effect of the legislation of smoke-free areas. In addition to the effect of this law, it was suggested that regional activities about quitting smoking have an important role for the rapid increase of smoking cessation rates in Kocaeli on 2010.
- © 2011 ERS
