Smokers' and Nonsmokers' Receptivity to Smoke-Free Policies and Pro- and Anti-Policy Messaging in Armenia and Georgia

• Authors: Marina Topuridze, National Center for Disease Control and Public Health; Carla Berg, Emory University; Ana Dekanosidze, National Center for Disease Control and Public Health; Arevik Torosyan, National Institute of Health; Lilit Grigoryan, National Institute of Health; Alexander Bazarchyan, National Institute of Health; Zhanna Sargsyan, American University of Armenia; Varduhi Hayrumyan, American University of Armenia; Nino Maglakelidze, National Center for Disease Control and Public Health; Lela Sturua, National Center for Disease Control and Public Health; Regine Haardoerfer, Emory University; Michelle Kegler, Emory University
• Journal Title: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
• Volume: Volume 17, Number 15
• Publisher: MDPI | 2020-08-01, Pages 1-14
• Type of Work: Article | Final Publisher PDF
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17155527
• Subjects: Environmental Sciences; Health Sciences, Public Health; Health Sciences, Medicine and Surgery; Psychology, Behavioral
• Keywords: Science & Technology; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; Environmental Sciences; Public, Environmental & Occupational Health; Environmental Sciences & Ecology; tobacco control; policy; smoke-free air policy; secondhand smoke exposure; State legislators; Tobacco control; Civil society; Support; Advocacy; Media; Vote

Abstract

Garnering support for smoke-free policies is critical for their successful adoption, particularly in countries with high smoking prevalence, such as Armenia and Georgia. In 2018, we surveyed 1456 residents (ages 18–64) of 28 cities in Armenia (n = 705) and Georgia (n = 751). We examined support for cigarette and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS)/heated tobacco product (HTP) smoke-free policies in various locations and persuasiveness of pro-and anti-policy messaging. Participants were an average age of 43.35, 60.5% female, and 27.3% current smokers. Nonsmokers versus smokers indicated greater policy support for cigarette and ENDS/HTP and greater persuasiveness of pro-policy messaging. Armenians versus Georgians generally perceived pro-and anti-policy messaging more persuasive. In multilevel linear regression, sociodemographics (e.g., female) and tobacco use characteristics (e.g., smoking less frequently, higher quitting importance) correlated with more policy support. Greatest policy support was for healthcare, religious, government, and workplace settings; public transport; schools; and vehicles carrying children. Least policy support was for bar/restaurant outdoor areas. The most compelling pro-policy message focused on the right to clean air; the most compelling anti-policy message focused on using nonsmoking sections. Specific settings may present challenges for advancing smoke-free policies. Messaging focusing on individual rights to clean air and health may garner support.