Effect of a No-Smoking Policy Aboard a U.S. Navy Aircraft Carrier.
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of a no-smoking policy aboard the Atlantic Fleet carrier USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71) on the crew's smoking behavior and exposure to ETS, as well as crew attitudes regarding smoking policy. All crew members aboard ship were asked to participate in a baseline and postintervention survey. There was no significant change in the percentage of current cigarette smokers from baseline to postintervention. However, a small percentage of the postintervention survey participants reported that they had quit smoking when the no-smoking policy began. There were significant increases in participant's off-the-ship cigarette use, the number of cigarettes smoked per day, and smokeless tobacco use from baseline to postintervention. Exposure to ETS while aboard ship significantly decreased during the time that the no-smoking policy was in effect. Findings from this study suggest that the no-smoking policy aboard USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT had a positive effect on reducing exposure to ETS and a more complex effect on tobacco use behavior. A no-smoking policy may be the best way to protect nonsmokers health; however, no additional significant benefits of the policy in terms of reducing overall smoking were seen in this study.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA311287
Entities
People
- Scott A. Shappell
- Suzanne L. Hurtado
Organizations
- Naval Health Research Center