Compliance of drugstores with a national smoke-free law: a pilot survey.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the outcome of the recent implementation of a smoke-free policy in drugstores in Thailand, comparing participants and non-participants of the 100% smoke-free drugstore campaign promoted by the Thai Pharmacy Network for Tobacco Control (TPNTC).


METHODS
A cross-sectional survey of 3600 drugstores in Thailand.


METHODS
Smoking prevalence on the premises, the number of stores displaying no-smoking signs, and the number of stores selling cigarettes were examined.


RESULTS
In total, 1001 questionnaires were returned (27.8% response rate). Smoking prevalences inside and outside drugstores in the past month were 26.4% and 84.7%, respectively. Seven percent of drugstores had at least one staff member who smoked tobacco. Overall, 63.3% of drugstores displayed no-smoking signs, as required by law. Compared with non-participating drugstores, those which participated in the TPNTC smoke-free campaign more frequently reported that they had asked smokers to stop smoking/leave the premises, in addition to possessing and displaying no-smoking signs.


CONCLUSIONS
Approximately one-third of drugstores in this survey did not meet the terms of the recent smoke-free regulation. The TPNTC campaign improved the compliance of drugstores with the law in various aspects. This study was considered a pilot study, and despite the low response rate, the findings suggest a need for further action to ensure that all drugstores comply with the law and are 100% smoke-free.
Nimpitakpong
P
P
Centre of Pharmaceutical Outcome Research, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand.ohpiyarat@yahoo.com
Dhippayom
T
T
Chaiyakunapruk
N
N
Aromdee
J
J
Chotbunyong
S
S
Charnnarong
S
S
D003132:Commerce / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D003157:Community Pharmacy Services / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000458:organization & administration; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003625:Data Collection; D006801:Humans; D007878:Legislation as Topic; D016134:Organizational Policy; D010594:Pharmacies / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D015995:Prevalence; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013785:Thailand / Q000453:epidemiology; D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017132:Workplace / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*
D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution