Implementation of Smoke Free-homes Rules in the Homes of Smokers with Low Socioeconomic Status

Introduction

Private places such as homes are common places of exposure to secondhand smoke. Currently, more and more attention is being paid to reducing general and residential exposure to ETS (environmental tobacco smoke). The voluntary introduction of smoke-free homes (SFH) is a promising preventive measure in this regard. Most smoking households don’t implement comprehensive anti-smoking policies, and exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) is still common among low socioeconomic populations and children.

Aim

The aim of the study was to assess exposure to passive smoking and to assess compliance with the rules of a smoke-free home in the homes of smokers with low socioeconomic status.

Material and methods

117 smokers in Piotrków County were examined in 2015. The research tool was a questionnaire. The study received a positive opinion from the Bioethics Committee of the Medical University of Lodz (RNN/243/15/KE).

Results

People who respect the implementation of smoke free-homes rules in their homes accounted for 48.7% of the total number of respondents, of which 58% were women and 42% were men.

They were mostly people aged 50 and more (54.3%), married (60%), with secondary education (33.3%), employed persons (70.2%), living at home with one adult (43.8%). 68.4% of the respondents advocating smoke-free homes have ever tried to quit, usually 1–2 times (38.6%). Fear of the disease (36.8%) and the wish of the family (29.8%) were the most frequently mentioned reasons that prompted the respondents to quit smoking in tobacco-free homes. In smoke-free homes, 82.5% of the guests complied with the accepted rules for smoking.

Conclusions

There is a need for interventions to encourage a smoking ban in homes. Primary care interventions, public health programs, and media campaigns should promote the health benefits of having a smoke-free home.