Trends in prevalence and acceptance of workplace smoking bans among indoor workers in South Australia.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the reported prevalence and acceptance of bans on smoking in the workplaces of a representative sample of adults in South Australia between 1989 and 1994.


METHODS
Independent cross-sectional representative population surveys.


METHODS
South Australian population.


METHODS
Adults who indicated they were employed mainly indoors, for the years 1989 (875 respondents), 1991 (1472), 1992 (1288) and 1994 (1273).


METHODS
Percentage reporting total bans on smoking at work; percentage reporting compliance with bans all or nearly all the time; percentage reporting preference for total bans at work.


RESULTS
The percentage of indoor workers subject to a total ban on smoking at work increased from 32% in 1989 to 62% in 1994 and preference for a total ban increased during the same period from 26% to 52%. Reported compliance with restrictions and bans was very high. In 1994, 16% of workers still had no restrictions on smoking at work, but only 3% preferred this arrangement.


CONCLUSIONS
The data suggest that smoking bans are now the norm for indoor workers and that further gains in promoting and supporting workplace bans will be made by directing efforts at smaller workplaces, where unrestricted smoking is most prevalent.
Wakefield
M
M
Behavioural Epidemiology Unit, South Australian Health Commission Adelaide. maw@hc2.health.sa.gov.au
Roberts
L
L
Owen
N
N
D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D000074606:Smoking Prevention; D017132:Workplace