The 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health

Objective: Discussions about smoking restrictions in outdoor public places are increasing as indoor restrictions become more established and impacts on social norms, cessation, relapse and initiation become better known. Understanding physical and social factors that govern smoking in outdoor public places is essential to developing appropriate policies for these environments.

Methods: Direct observations of 12 urban outdoor public places and 36 semi-structured interviews with smokers and non-smokers were used to gather information about smoking related behaviours, perspectives and experiences. Electronically mapped observation data were overlaid to identify patterns of use (i.e., where and when people smoke). The content of observation notes were analyzed to identify social interactions, compliance and littering of cigarette butts. Interview transcripts were coded in NVIVO and thematically analysed. Results from the interviews and observations were synthesized to identify conceptual relationships between physical and social factors and smoking in outdoor public places.

Results: Preliminary results reveal that entranceways, shelter and location of cigarette receptacles are key physical factors that influence smoking in outdoor public places. Social factors include the type of space and unwritten social norms governing its use. Final results will provide a knowledge base that can be used to develop design recommendations and policy guidelines for reducing smoking in outdoor public places. This can have a positive impact on public health by leading to reduced exposure to environmental tobacco smoke and visibility of smoking, increased compliance, and reduced conflict.