Smoke-Free Public Policies and Voluntary Policies in Personal Settings in Tbilisi, Georgia: A Qualitative Study

Carla J. Berg, Samantha A. Smith, Ta Misha Bascombe, Nino Maglakelidze, Lela Starua and Marina Topuridze
Additional contact information
Carla J. Berg: Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Emory University School of Public Health, 1518 Clifton Road, NE, Room 524, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
Samantha A. Smith: Health Promotion and Wellness Directorate Army Public Health Center, 8506 Dawnridge Dr., Houston, TX 77071, USA
Ta Misha Bascombe: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
Nino Maglakelidze: National Center for Disease Control, 9 M. Asatiani st. Tbilisi, GA 0177, USA
Lela Starua: National Center for Disease Control, 9 M. Asatiani st. Tbilisi, GA 0177, USA
Marina Topuridze: National Center for Disease Control, 9 M. Asatiani st. Tbilisi, GA 0177, USA

IJERPH, 2016, vol. 13, issue 2, 1-11

Abstract: Georgia has limited tobacco control policies, particularly in the area of smoke-free public policies, which may influence the adoption of smoke-free home rules. We qualitatively examined knowledge about and reactions to public and personal smoke-free policies among Tbilisi residents. In Spring 2014, we conducted six focus groups among 47 total participants—two among male smokers, one among male nonsmokers, two among female smokers, and one among female nonsmokers. Our sample was 48.9% male and 70.2% past 30-day smokers. Most believed that SHS was dangerous, with particular concern regarding the impact of SHS on children and pregnant women. Many had misconceptions about how to protect others from SHS and the effectiveness of some approaches. Many indicated that they had some type of home rules, but few reported a complete ban on smoking in the home. Even when some restrictions were in place, they rarely were effective or enforced. Common concerns about the partial smoke-free public policy in Georgia included its economic impact, perceived discrimination among smokers, and the policy being against the Georgian culture. These concerns were heightened when participants were asked about the possible implementation of a complete smoke-free policy. Educational programs are needed to promote smoke-free policies in Georgia.

Keywords: tobacco control; secondhand smoke exposure; health policy; health disparities (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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