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

Marina Topuridze, Carla J. Berg, Ana Dekanosidze, Arevik Torosyan, Lilit Grigoryan, Alexander Bazarchyan, Zhanna Sargsyan, Varduhi Hayrumyan, Nino Maglakelidze, Lela Sturua, Regine Haardörfer and Michelle C. Kegler
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Marina Topuridze: Non-Communicable Diseases Department, National Center for Disease Control and Public Health, Tbilisi 0198, Georgia
Carla J. Berg: Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington Cancer Center, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
Ana Dekanosidze: Non-Communicable Diseases Department, National Center for Disease Control and Public Health, Tbilisi 0198, Georgia
Arevik Torosyan: National Institute of Health Named after Academician S. Avdalbekyan, MoH, Yerevan 0051, Armenia
Lilit Grigoryan: National Institute of Health Named after Academician S. Avdalbekyan, MoH, Yerevan 0051, Armenia
Alexander Bazarchyan: National Institute of Health Named after Academician S. Avdalbekyan, MoH, Yerevan 0051, Armenia
Zhanna Sargsyan: Turpanjian School of Public Health, American University of Armenia, Yerevan 0019, Armenia
Varduhi Hayrumyan: Turpanjian School of Public Health, American University of Armenia, Yerevan 0019, Armenia
Nino Maglakelidze: Non-Communicable Diseases Department, National Center for Disease Control and Public Health, Tbilisi 0198, Georgia
Lela Sturua: Non-Communicable Diseases Department, National Center for Disease Control and Public Health, Tbilisi 0198, Georgia
Regine Haardörfer: Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
Michelle C. Kegler: Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 15, 1-14

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.

Keywords: tobacco control; policy; smoke-free air policy; secondhand smoke exposure (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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