Abstract
Spreading public knowledge about the health consequences of passive smoking is now a major health priority. Using data from a random sample of Australian Capital Territory residents conducted in November-December 1991, this paper examines the level of general and specific knowledge that individuals possess about passive smoking. While 87% of the sample gave an accurate definition of passive smoking, the 13% who did not were distinguished by lack of educational qualifications and by employment outside the government sector. A similar proportion did not see any illnesses being associated with passive smoking, and this group was significantly more likely to consist of current smokers. Employment status emerged as a factor influencing specific knowledge of passive smoking, highlighting the importance of continued moves to restrict smoking within the workplace.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 415-427 |
Number of pages | 13 |
Journal | Substance Use and Misuse |
Volume | 29 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1994 |