Study Finds Fewer Adults Smoke Cigarettes After Lexington’s Smoke-free Law
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LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 11, 2006) − University of Kentucky College of Nursing researchers
report a decrease of 31.9 percent in adult smoking in the wake of the passage of Lexington's
smoke-free law in April 2004.
Dr. Ellen Hahn, professor in UK's College of Nursing and College of Public Health, and colleagues Dr. Mary Kay Rayens and Mei Zhang evaluated Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS) data from 2001 to 2005 to test whether adult smoking rates changed significantly in Fayette County from the pre to post-law period. These data were compared to five Kentucky counties with similar demographic characteristics during the same timeframe.
The smoking rate for Fayette County pre-law was 25.7 percent which declined to 17.5 percent post-law, a decrease of 31.9 percent. In the five control counties without a law, rates at pre-law and post-law were 27.6 percent respectively, indicating no change. While Fayette and the control counties did not differ in smoking rate during the pre-law period, Fayette had a significantly lower rate during post-law. The degree of decrease over time in Fayette was significant, while there was not a significant change from pre-to post-law in the control counties.
“Smoke-free laws change the societal norm and make it easier for smokers to quit. Lexington’s smoke-free law has not only helped residents lead healthier lives but it also has the potential to increase workplace productivity, saving employers money,” said Dr. Hahn.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that cigarette smoking remains the leading preventable cause of death in the United States, accounting for approximately 1 out of every 5 deaths each year. Kentucky has the highest state estimate for adult cigarette smoking at 28.7 percent, the highest estimates for smoking among men at 30.6 percent and the highest estimates for smoking among women at 26.9 percent.
Kentucky spends an estimated $1.17 billion per year to treat sick smokers. The reduction in the number of smokers in Fayette County, from an estimated 53,444 before to 36,977 after the smoke-free law took effect will result in significant savings in healthcare costs and will promote workplace productivity.
Dr. Ellen Hahn, professor in UK's College of Nursing and College of Public Health, and colleagues Dr. Mary Kay Rayens and Mei Zhang evaluated Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS) data from 2001 to 2005 to test whether adult smoking rates changed significantly in Fayette County from the pre to post-law period. These data were compared to five Kentucky counties with similar demographic characteristics during the same timeframe.
The smoking rate for Fayette County pre-law was 25.7 percent which declined to 17.5 percent post-law, a decrease of 31.9 percent. In the five control counties without a law, rates at pre-law and post-law were 27.6 percent respectively, indicating no change. While Fayette and the control counties did not differ in smoking rate during the pre-law period, Fayette had a significantly lower rate during post-law. The degree of decrease over time in Fayette was significant, while there was not a significant change from pre-to post-law in the control counties.
“Smoke-free laws change the societal norm and make it easier for smokers to quit. Lexington’s smoke-free law has not only helped residents lead healthier lives but it also has the potential to increase workplace productivity, saving employers money,” said Dr. Hahn.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that cigarette smoking remains the leading preventable cause of death in the United States, accounting for approximately 1 out of every 5 deaths each year. Kentucky has the highest state estimate for adult cigarette smoking at 28.7 percent, the highest estimates for smoking among men at 30.6 percent and the highest estimates for smoking among women at 26.9 percent.
Kentucky spends an estimated $1.17 billion per year to treat sick smokers. The reduction in the number of smokers in Fayette County, from an estimated 53,444 before to 36,977 after the smoke-free law took effect will result in significant savings in healthcare costs and will promote workplace productivity.