Public knowledge about passive smoking: results from a survey in the Australian Capital Territory.
Spreading public knowledge about the health consequences of passive smoking is now a major health priority. Using data from a random sample of Australian Capital Territory residents conducted in November-December 1991, this paper examines the level of general and specific knowledge that individuals possess about passive smoking. While 87% of the sample gave an accurate definition of passive smoking, the 13% who did not were distinguished by lack of educational qualifications and by employment outside the government sector. A similar proportion did not see any illnesses being associated with passive smoking, and this group was significantly more likely to consist of current smokers. Employment status emerged as a factor influencing specific knowledge of passive smoking, highlighting the importance of continued moves to restrict smoking within the workplace.
Makkai
T
T
Research School of Social Sciences, Australian National University.
McAllister
I
I
Goodin
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001315:Australia; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011639:Public Opinion; D012307:Risk Factors; D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000517:prevention & control; D017132:Workplace
D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution