Tobacco and Electric Smoke-Free Area Policy: Review from Communication and Resource Support

Abstract

Background: Smoking is the main cause of most non-communicable diseases, accounting for 70% of deaths globally. During the Covid-19 pandemic, smokers even have a 14 times higher risk of being infected with SARS-CoV-2 than non-smokers. The data show that smoking behavior is widespread, not only in adults but also among teenagers. In Indonesia, adolescent smoking behavior is 38.3% of boys and 2.4% of girls who smoke cigarettes. In controlling cigarette smoke, one of which is in public spaces, the government enforces a smoke-free policy, but its implementation is considered not optimal. The purpose of this study was to assess the current situation of implementing a smoke-free policy during the pandemic. Method: A cross sectional study was used in this study, using data collected by a questionnaire given to adolescents aged 10-24 years. Information was obtained regarding the characteristics of the respondents (age, education and type of cigarette), communication and resources on tobacco control policies in public areas. Sampling technique by accidental sampling method. Chi-square test was used to see the level of significance (P < 0.05) of the variables. Results: The results of this study found that 69.1% of adolescents aged 16-18 years consumed the most cigarettes, with a high school education level (61.7%). Tobacco cigarettes are the most popular 48.9% of teenagers, although 33.0% of e-cigarettes (vaping) also make a big contribution to adolescent smoking behavior. Overall, 73.4% (p-value 0.005) of communication and 25.6% (p-value 0.002) of resource support were considered lacking in implementing a smoke-free policy. Conclusion: Overall, the majority of adolescents stated that communication and resource support by the government did not provide significant changes in the implementation of smoke-free policies in public spaces. These findings can inform the strengthening of socialization to the community, especially teenagers to introduce smoke-free policies and strengthen resource capacity in supporting the implementation of KTR policies