A cross-sectional study of knowledge about secondhand smoke-attributed diseases, awareness, and applicability of the smoking control law in a southern province of Thailand
Introduction Secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure is a significant cause of illness. This study aimed to explore the awareness of SHS-attributed illnesses and the legal control of the Tobacco Product Control (TPC) Act 2017 among the local people living in Meung district, a municipality of Songkhla Provin...
Saved in:
| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
European Publishing
2025-05-01
|
| Series: | Tobacco Induced Diseases |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.tobaccoinduceddiseases.org/A-cross-sectional-study-of-knowledge-about-secondhand-smoke-attributed-diseases-awareness,204397,0,2.html |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| Summary: | Introduction
Secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure is a significant cause of illness.
This study aimed to explore the awareness of SHS-attributed illnesses and the
legal control of the Tobacco Product Control (TPC) Act 2017 among the local
people living in Meung district, a municipality of Songkhla Province, Thailand.
Methods
This quantitative and qualitative study was conducted in 3 marketplaces
and 6 public bus terminals in a southern province of Thailand between November
2021 and September 2022. A total of 330 volunteers were enrolled for the
quantitative analysis. Meanwhile, 13 local government officers (LGOs), 2 market
visitors, and 5 public vehicle passengers were interviewed for qualitative analysis
to evaluate applicability of the law in this province. We collected the participants’
general demographics, prevalence of secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure,
knowledge about SHS-attributed diseases, and awareness of the law. Chi-squared
test was used to assess the associations between demographics and knowledge of
SHS-attributed diseases and awareness of the legal restrictions regarding SHS
exposure (p<0.05). Thematic analysis for evaluating applicability of the law was
conducted from the interviews.
Results
Tobacco smell was experienced more frequently than witnessing smokers
in marketplaces (49.8% vs 30.0%) and on public vehicles (45.5% vs 20.7%).
The mean ± SD scores of knowledge regarding the law were low (marketplace,
4.09 ± 1.61; bus, 4.07 ± 1.69), while that of SHS-attributed health harms were
moderate (marketplace, 6.31 ± 2.14; bus, 6.30 ± 1.64). Age, education level,
and religion had significant associations with knowledge about SHS-attributed
diseases (p=0.001, <0.001, <0.001, respectively), while age and education level
were significantly associated with awareness of the law (p<0.001). We found
weaknesses in the collaboration of LGOs. Inadequate resources and a high volume
of routine workload were the attributed barriers.
Conclusions
Enhancing knowledge about SHS-attributed illnesses, awareness of
the SHS control law, and strengthening public engagement are crucial for SHS
exposure control. The collaboration between the local people and LGOs for
effective SHS control is advocated. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 1617-9625 |