Smoke-free laws and adult smoking prevalence

• Published in: Preventive medicine Vol. 47; no. 2; pp. 206 - 209
• Main Authors: Hahn, Ellen J, Rayens, Mary Kay, Butler, Karen M, Zhang, Mei, Durbin, Emily, Steinke, Doug
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.08.2008
• Subjects: Adult; Adult smoking prevalence; Bans; Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System; Cessation; Enactment; Female; Humans; Internal Medicine; Kentucky - epidemiology; Male; Public places; Smoke-free legislation; Smoking; Smoking - epidemiology; Smoking - legislation & jurisprudence; Tobacco Smoke Pollution - prevention & control; USA; Kentucky; Adult smoking prevalence; Smoke-free legislation
• ISSN: 0091-7435; 1096-0260
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2008.04.009

Abstract Objective To evaluate whether the adult smoking rate changed in Lexington-Fayette County, Kentucky, following the enactment of a smoke-free public places ordinance. Methods Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data from 2001–2005 were used to test whether smoking rates changed in Fayette County from the pre- to post-law period, relative to the change in 30 Kentucky counties with similar demographics. The sample consisted of 10,413 BRFSS respondents: 7139 pre-law (40 months) and 3274 post-law (20 months). Results There was a 31.9% decline in adult smoking in Fayette County (25.7% pre-law to 17.5% post-law). In the group of 30 Control counties, the rate was 28.4% pre-law and 27.6% post-law. Controlling for seasonality, time trend, age, gender, ethnicity, education, marital status, and income, there was a significant Time (pre- vs. post-law) by Group (Fayette vs. Controls) interaction. There were an estimated 16,500 fewer smokers in Fayette County during post-law compared to pre-law. Conclusion There was a significant effect of smoke-free legislation on adult smoking rates.