Public knowledge about passive smoking: Results from a survey in the australian capital territory

Toni Makkai*, Ian Mcallister, Margo Goodin

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    2 Citations (Scopus)

    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 languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)415-427
    Number of pages13
    JournalSubstance Use and Misuse
    Volume29
    Issue number4
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1994

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