Secondhand Smoke Exposure, Indoor Smoking Bans and Smoking-Related Knowledge in China

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Yue Jin²  Ling Wang²  Bo Lu¹  Amy K. Ferketich² 

[1] Division of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, 1841 Neil Ave., Columbus, OH 43210, USA; E-Mail:;Division of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, 1841 Neil Ave., Columbus, OH 43210, USA; E-Mails:

关键词: clean-indoor air laws;    public smoking bans;    smoke-free environments;    secondhand smoke;    tobacco control policies/interventions;   

DOI  :  10.3390/ijerph111212835

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

Although previous studies have provided strong evidence that Chinese individuals are exposed to secondhand smoke (SHS) and lack knowledge of its harmful effects, there has not been an in-depth exploration of the variability in exposure and knowledge by geographic region, occupation, and socioeconomic status. The objectives of this study were to examine: (1) the demographic factors associated with the level of knowledge of the harmful effects of smoking; (2) the factors related to implementation of in-home and workplace smoking bans; and (3) geographic differences in being exposed to SHS in government buildings, healthcare facilities, restaurants, public transportations, and schools. We used data from the 2010 Global Adult Tobacco Survey-China. Chi-square tests were used for statistical analysis. The results suggested that among Chinese citizens age 15 years and older, there is poor knowledge of the harmful effects of tobacco, and knowledge varies with region and socioeconomic status. Over three-quarters of the households had no smoking restrictions, and a large percentage of workers reported working in places with no smoking ban. In public places, exposure to SHS was high, particularly in rural areas and in the Southwest. These results suggest Chinese individuals are not well informed of smoking and SHS associated risks and are regularly exposed to SHS at home, work and public places.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2014 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.