title: Perception of tourists regarding the smoke-free policy at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Bangkok, Thailand.
abstract: This study was conducted during February-March 2012 to determine the perception and support regarding smoke-free policy among tourists at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Bangkok, Thailand. In this cross-sectional study, 200 tourists (n = 200) were enrolled by convenience sampling and interviewed by structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, chi-square, and multinomial logistic regression were adopted in the study. Results revealed that half (50%) of the tourists were current smokers and 55% had visited Thailand twice or more. Three quarter (76%) of tourists indicated that they would visit Thailand again even if it had a 100% smoke-free regulation. Almost all (99%) of the tourists had supported for the smoke-free policy (partial ban and total ban), and current smokers had higher percentage of support than non-smokers. Two factors, current smoking status and knowledge level, were significantly associated with perception level. After analysis with Multinomial Logistic Regression, it was found that perception, country group, and presence of designated smoking room (DSR) were associated with smoke-free policy. Recommendation is that, at institution level effective monitoring system is needed at the airport. At policy level, the recommendation is that effective comprehensive policy needed to be emphasized to ensure smoke-free airport environment.
authors.affiliation: Health Administration Department, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, 420/1 Rajvithi Road, Rajthevi District, Bangkok 10400, Thailand. nithats@gmail.com
authors.forename: Nithat
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Sirichotiratana
authors.forename: Subash
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Yogi
authors.forename: Chardsumon
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Prutipinyo
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D059028:Airports / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D061845:Smoke-Free Policy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013785:Thailand; D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000517:prevention & control; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution