Time since smoke-free law and smoking cessation behaviors.
BACKGROUND
We examined the association between time since implementation of a smoke-free law and cessation behaviors among current and former smokers.


METHODS
A quasiexperimental, three-group design assessed smoking and cessation behaviors via brief telephone interviews with 295 randomly selected current and former smokers who had quit since a smoke-free law took effect in their community. Participants lived in one of four communities that had implemented a smoke-free law in the preceding 6-8 months (n = 106), 18 months (n = 87), or 36 months (n = 102).


RESULTS
Compared with those living in communities with relatively new smoke-free laws (6-8 months), those in communities with more established laws (18 and 36 months) were more likely to (a) be former smokers and (b) report a longer time since smoking their last cigarette. Compared with the 6- to 8-month group, those in the 36-month group were more likely to have tried to quit since the law was implemented.


CONCLUSIONS
Smoke-free laws may have a delayed effect on cessation among adults. The longer a smoke-free law is in effect, the more likely adults will attempt to quit smoking and become former smokers. Maintaining the integrity of smoke-free laws over time is an important population-based quit strategy.
Hahn
Ellen J
EJ
University of Kentucky College of Nursing, 751 Rose Street, Lexington, KY 40536-0232, USA. ejhahn00@email.uky.edu
Rayens
Mary Kay
MK
Langley
Ronald E
RE
Darville
Audrey
A
Dignan
Mark
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012907:Smoking / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D016540:Smoking Cessation; D055815:Young Adult