The Impact of a Communitywide Smoke-Free Ordinance on Smoking Among Older Adults
2009

Impact of Smoke-Free Ordinance on Older Adults' Smoking

Sample size: 3389 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Prochaska John D., Burdine James N., Ory Marcia G., Sharkey Joseph R., McLeroy Kenneth R., Colwell Brian, Mier Nelda, Bigsby Kendra

Primary Institution: Texas A&M Health Science Center School of Rural Public Health

Hypothesis

How does a communitywide smoke-free ordinance affect smoking rates among older adults?

Conclusion

The smoke-free ordinance did not significantly change smoking rates among older adults, despite a decrease in the overall adult population.

Supporting Evidence

  • Smoking rates among older respondents did not change despite significant decreases in the overall adult population.
  • Attitudes toward public smoking remained unchanged for both older and younger adults.
  • Older adults may require different approaches to smoking cessation than younger adults.

Takeaway

A law that bans smoking in public places didn't help older people stop smoking, even though it helped younger people.

Methodology

The study used community health surveys conducted in 2001 and 2004, comparing smoking rates and attitudes before and after the ordinance.

Potential Biases

Self-reported smoking status may introduce response bias.

Limitations

The study's cross-sectional design and reliance on self-reported data may limit the generalizability and accuracy of the findings.

Participant Demographics

Participants were predominantly well-educated, with over 94% having completed high school, and less than 23% living in poverty or low-income.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.04

Confidence Interval

0.64-1.37

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication