CONFERENCE PROCEEDING
Impact of the implementation of a smoke free law in Serbia on exposure to tobacco smoke in different settings.
 
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1
Institute of Public Health Subotica, Subotica, Serbia
 
2
Institute of Public Health of Serbia "Dr Milan Jovanovic Batut", Belgrade, Serbia
 
3
Public Health Association of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
 
 
Submission date: 2017-04-10
 
 
Acceptance date: 2017-04-11
 
 
Publication date: 2017-05-25
 
 
Corresponding author
Kosic Bibic Nada   

Institute of Public Health Subotica, Zmaj Jovina 30, 24 000 Subotica, Serbia
 
 
Tob. Prev. Cessation 2017;3(May Supplement):36
 
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
Introduction:
The aim of this study was to analyse the impact of the implementation of a smoke free law in Serbia on exposure to tobacco smoke in different settings.

Material and Methods:
Data were obtained from opinion polls conducted on a representative sample of approximately 1000 (per wave) adult citizens. Opinion polls were conducted using face to face questionnaires in households. The opinion polls were conducted before the law had entered into effect, after three and six months and later annually or biannually (2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015).

Results:
Comparing 2010 with 2015 we found a decrease in the percentage of citizens exposed to tobacco smoke as following: at work from 45% to 23%, in educational facilities from 44% to 6%, in the hospitality sector from 72% to 56% (partial smoking ban according to law) and in houses of friends/relatives from 83% to 76%. Among the total population (regardless of smoking status) citizens were most exposed to tobacco smoke in their own homes (6.2 hours a day in average) and at work (5.4 hours a day in average).

Conclusions:
Results indicate that the implementation of the Smoke Free Law in Serbia led to a decrease in exposure to tobacco smoke in all places where smoking is banned. Legislation should be improved to protect customers and workers from exposure to tobacco smoke in the hospitality sector. It is necessary to improve compliance with the law as 23% of the population is exposed to tobacco smoke at work despite the ban. High exposure to tobacco smoke in citizens’ homes calls for implementation of campaigns aimed at the general population.

eISSN:2459-3087
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