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Smokers’ and Nonsmokers’ Receptivity to Smoke-Free Policies and Pro- and Anti-Policy Messaging in Armenia and Georgia

Author

Listed:
  • Marina Topuridze

    (Non-Communicable Diseases Department, National Center for Disease Control and Public Health, Tbilisi 0198, Georgia
    School of Natural Sciences and Medicine, Ilia State University, Tbilisi 0162, Georgia)

  • Carla J. Berg

    (Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington Cancer Center, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA)

  • Ana Dekanosidze

    (Non-Communicable Diseases Department, National Center for Disease Control and Public Health, Tbilisi 0198, Georgia)

  • Arevik Torosyan

    (National Institute of Health Named after Academician S. Avdalbekyan, MoH, Yerevan 0051, Armenia)

  • Lilit Grigoryan

    (National Institute of Health Named after Academician S. Avdalbekyan, MoH, Yerevan 0051, Armenia)

  • Alexander Bazarchyan

    (National Institute of Health Named after Academician S. Avdalbekyan, MoH, Yerevan 0051, Armenia)

  • Zhanna Sargsyan

    (Turpanjian School of Public Health, American University of Armenia, Yerevan 0019, Armenia)

  • Varduhi Hayrumyan

    (Turpanjian School of Public Health, American University of Armenia, Yerevan 0019, Armenia)

  • Nino Maglakelidze

    (Non-Communicable Diseases Department, National Center for Disease Control and Public Health, Tbilisi 0198, Georgia)

  • Lela Sturua

    (Non-Communicable Diseases Department, National Center for Disease Control and Public Health, Tbilisi 0198, Georgia
    Public Health Department Petre Shotadze Tbilisi Medical Academy, Tbilisi 0144, Georgia)

  • Regine Haardörfer

    (Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA)

  • Michelle C. Kegler

    (Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
    Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA)

Abstract

Garnering support for smoke-free policies is critical for their successful adoption, particularly in countries with high smoking prevalence, such as Armenia and Georgia. In 2018, we surveyed 1456 residents (ages 18–64) of 28 cities in Armenia ( n = 705) and Georgia ( n = 751). We examined support for cigarette and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS)/heated tobacco product (HTP) smoke-free policies in various locations and persuasiveness of pro- and anti-policy messaging. Participants were an average age of 43.35, 60.5% female, and 27.3% current smokers. Nonsmokers versus smokers indicated greater policy support for cigarette and ENDS/HTP and greater persuasiveness of pro-policy messaging. Armenians versus Georgians generally perceived pro- and anti-policy messaging more persuasive. In multilevel linear regression, sociodemographics (e.g., female) and tobacco use characteristics (e.g., smoking less frequently, higher quitting importance) correlated with more policy support. Greatest policy support was for healthcare, religious, government, and workplace settings; public transport; schools; and vehicles carrying children. Least policy support was for bar/restaurant outdoor areas. The most compelling pro-policy message focused on the right to clean air; the most compelling anti-policy message focused on using nonsmoking sections. Specific settings may present challenges for advancing smoke-free policies. Messaging focusing on individual rights to clean air and health may garner support.

Suggested Citation

  • Marina Topuridze & Carla J. Berg & Ana Dekanosidze & Arevik Torosyan & Lilit Grigoryan & Alexander Bazarchyan & Zhanna Sargsyan & Varduhi Hayrumyan & Nino Maglakelidze & Lela Sturua & Regine Haardörfe, 2020. "Smokers’ and Nonsmokers’ Receptivity to Smoke-Free Policies and Pro- and Anti-Policy Messaging in Armenia and Georgia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-14, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:15:p:5527-:d:392305
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Carla J. Berg & Yael Bar-Zeev & Hagai Levine, 2020. "Informing iQOS Regulations in the United States: A Synthesis of What We Know," SAGE Open, , vol. 10(1), pages 21582440198, January.
    2. Carla J. Berg & Samantha A. Smith & Ta Misha Bascombe & Nino Maglakelidze & Lela Starua & Marina Topuridze, 2016. "Smoke-Free Public Policies and Voluntary Policies in Personal Settings in Tbilisi, Georgia: A Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-11, January.
    3. Thrasher, J.F. & Huang, L. & Pérez-Hernández, R. & Niederdeppe, J. & Arillo-Santillán, E. & Alday, J., 2011. "Evaluation of a social marketing campaign to support Mexico City's comprehensive smoke-free law," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 101(2), pages 328-335.
    4. Allison M. Schmidt & Leah M. Ranney & Adam O. Goldstein, 2014. "Communicating Program Outcomes to Encourage Policymaker Support for Evidence-Based State Tobacco Control," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 11(12), pages 1-13, December.
    5. Carla J. Berg & Marina Topuridze & Nino Maglakelidze & Lela Starua & Maia Shishniashvili & Michelle C. Kegler, 2016. "Reactions to smoke-free public policies and smoke-free home policies in the Republic of Georgia: results from a 2014 national survey," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 61(4), pages 409-416, May.
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