PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

R Ferrence

Publications and source records attributed to R Ferrence.

30 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

Interactions between smokers and non-smokers in public places: a qualitative study.

Few studies have employed a qualitative approach to better understand how both smokers and non-smokers experience and make sense of no-smoking restrictions in their daily lives. We describe qualitative research involving an examination of self-reported interpersonal interactions between smokers and non-smokers in public places regarding exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). Five focus group discussions and twenty individual in-depth interviews were conducted with smokers and non-smokers in the Metropolitan Toronto region as a complement to a quantitative survey of the adult population of Ontario. Strategies used by non-smokers in responding to ETS exposures included verbal confrontations, non-verbal cues, use of a third party, and moving away. The perceived consequences of such actions, as described by both smokers and non-smokers, are discussed, together with implications for tobacco control policy and practice.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Knowledge about tobacco and attitudes toward tobacco control: how different are smokers and nonsmokers?

Using data from a 1996 random-digit-dialing computer-assisted telephone survey of Ontario adults, 424 smokers and 1,340 nonsmokers were compared regarding knowledge about the health effects of tobacco use, attitudes toward restrictions on smoking and other tobacco control measures, and predictions of compliance with more restrictions. The response rate was 65%. Smokers were less knowledgeable than nonsmokers. Smokers were also less likely to support bans on smoking in specific locations, but majorities of both groups supported some restriction in most settings. Smokers were more likely than nonsmokers to predict that most smokers would comply with more restrictions, and more than three quarters indicated that they, themselves, would comply. Sizable proportions of both groups, especially smokers, failed to appreciate the effectiveness of taxation in reducing smoking. Support for other control measures also differed by smoking status. Both knowledge and smoking status were independently associated with support for more restrictions and other tobacco control policy measures.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The carcinogenic and toxic effects of tobacco smoke: are women particularly susceptible?

Smoking is the leading preventable cause of premature death and disability in Canadian women. Lung cancer, ischemic heart disease, chronic obstructive lung disease, and stroke account for two-thirds or more of the smoking-attributable deaths in women. Lung cancer now exceeds breast cancer as the leading cause of cancer death in women, and both incidence and mortality rates continue to climb. Strong evidence suggests that for the same number of cigarettes smoked, women are more susceptible than men to the carcinogenic effects on their lungs. Evidence also is growing that lung function in women is more adversely affected by smoking and that smoking may be a stronger risk factor for myocardial infarction in women than it is in men. More research into the mechanisms underlying these gender-related susceptibilities is needed. Policies and programs to prevent girls from starting to smoke and to facilitate quitting in women of all ages must be public health priorities.

Breast Neoplasms↗
PubMedDate not supplied

'Light' and 'mild' cigarettes: who smokes them? Are they being misled?

Using two population-based surveys of Ontarians, we examined the proportions of smokers who smoke 'light' and 'mild' cigarettes (L/M). We compared L/M smokers to regular cigarette smokers regarding demographic, health knowledge, and smoking characteristics and examined their health-related perceptions of L/M and reasons for smoking them. Use of these cigarettes increased from 71% in 1996 to 83% in 2000. Those who smoked L/M were more likely to be female, to be less addicted, and to be more advanced toward quitting. In 1996, one in five believed that smoking L/M lowers the risk of cancer and heart disease. In 1996 and 2000, respectively, 44% and 27% smoked L/M to reduce health risks, 41% and 40% smoked them as a step toward quitting, and 41% in both years said they would be more likely to quit if they learned L/M could provide the same tar and nicotine as regular cigarettes. These data provide empirical support for banning 'light' and 'mild' on cigarette packaging.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Using diffusion theory in health promotion: the case of tobacco.

Diffusion theory can profitably be applied to a range of health problems and interventions. This paper uses the case of tobacco to illustrate this process. The diffusion of innovations model refers to the spread of new ideas, techniques and behaviours or products throughout populations. Those who adopt at different phases of the process tend to differ in predictable ways, such as age, sex, residence, socioeconomic status and level of access to communications, each of which can be employed to affect the overall rate of adoption. A series of perspectives are employed to examine aspects of the diffusion process for tobacco use. Examples from the tobacco areas are used to illustrate ways in which the diffusion model can be applied in the field. Applications of the model for prevention are presented and discussed.

Canada↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The Ontario ban on smoking on school property: perceived impact on smoking.

We evaluated the impact of the November 1994 ban on smoking on school property in Ontario. Telephone interviews were conducted at the end of the 1995-96 school year with 213 high school administrators. Almost all high schools (96%) prohibit smoking on school property. Although some smoking still occurs on school property, the location of smoking by students has changed, giving rise to perceptions of both benefits and risks, as well as varying complaints from parents, students, neighbours, and nearby businesses. Most of the problems arising from the ban are viewed as minor. Local conditions, particularly the geographic environment of the school, appear to be important determinants of complaints and problems. While sizeable minorities of school administrators felt the ban had favourable effects, the majority perceived little effect on either smoking behaviour or attitudes towards smoking.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The Ontario ban on smoking on school property: issues and challenges in enforcement.

We document implementation and enforcement activities undertaken by high schools and health units with regard to the 1994 ban on smoking on school property in Ontario. Telephone interviews were conducted in the early summer of 1996 with 213 high school administrators and 38 tobacco enforcement personnel in health units. While some schools are unclear about enforcement responsibility, most are making efforts to enforce the ban, including warning and suspending students. Some school administrators (30%) suggest the reinstitution of designated smoking areas on school property. One quarter of health units had not made enforcement visits in schools in the 1995-96 school year and a minority accounted for most of the warnings and tickets issued to students. While most tobacco enforcement officers perceive that schools support the ban, they report some problems in obtaining cooperation in enforcement. However, only 11% suggest returning to designated smoking areas on school property.

Adolescent↗