The 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health

Objective: To evaluate the status of implementation and level of compliance of the smoking ban in health facilities and to assess determinants in order to develop effective recommendations to improve compliance.

Methods: Three data collection methods and tools were used: observation forms, in-depth interviews, and nicotine monitors. Samples were selected randomly base on the administrative management map of Ministry of Health.

Results: Observation was conducted from a total of 56 health facilities. Of the 56 hospitals, 85.7% enacted some level of implementation of the Government's decree; however, only 33.9% developed strict regulation. Smoking was observed in 21.9% of the wards (N=7) and 51.8% of the clinics (N=29). And, 62.5% of health facilities sold cigarettes inside ! Implementation levels varied from type of health facility: 77.8% of central hospitals have monitoring and supervision and only 52.2% of commune health center had supervision of tobacco control activities. Information from 465 interviews with health staff and visitors showed that only 69.4% and 67.9% respectively think passive smoking is definitely harmful Despite low awareness of passive smoking's health effect, 97.2% of health staff and 88.2% of visitors are supportive of smoking bans. The nicotine level of the clinics is the highest 0, 2403(ug/m3) and then 0, 1438 (ug/m3) of the wards.

Conclusion: Smoking regularly occurs in health facilities is a concern and an indication for the need of stricter enforcement and public health education. There is a need for stricter enforcement of the current regulation as well routine monitoring and supervising system and to build up social norms for protecting non-smoker.