A Conceptual Framework for the Roles of Legislation and Education in Reducing Exposure to Environmental Tobacco Smoke

Abstract

More and more legislation regulating smoking in public places is being enacted. A conceptual model is proposed incorporating a large number of factors that may affect smokers' compliance with resulting restrictions. The model stems from findings in our own research and from a consideration of the literature. It includes individual variables such as personality characteristics and attitudes, as well as population variables such as social norms and political and economic factors. Education about the health effects of environmental tobacco smoke and attitudes toward legislative measures regulating smoking, in the context of a supportive environment, are postulated to directly affect personal compliance with regulations. Some directions for future research and implications for public policy are presented.