Affiliations 

  • 1 Institute for Medical Research
  • 2 Hospital Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah
  • 3 Universiti Utara Malaysia
  • 4 Monash University Malaysia
MyJurnal

Abstract

Introduction: Total restriction on smoking in the home is an effective tool to reduce Second-hand smoke (SHS) expo- sure in private dwellings. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of total smoking restrictions in Malay- sian homes and factors associated with its adoption. Methods: We analyzed data from a cross-sectional, household study – the Global Adult Tobacco Survey 2011, which involved a representative sample of Malaysian adults. Factors associated with the adoption of a totally smoke free home policy was determined by multivariable logistic regression. Results: Out of the 4250 respondents studied, 40.9% (95% CI 38.1-43.8) adopted a total smoking restriction within their homes. Adoption of total smoke-free home policy was significantly higher among Chinese and Indians, those without smokers in the house, non-smokers and government employees. The likelihood of adopting the total smok- ing restriction at home was lower among current smokers, of Malay ethnicity, low education attainment, having at least one house member who smoked, residing in rural areas, single or widow/widower/divorcee, those working in the private sector or self-employed. Conclusions: Less than half of Malaysian households implemented a total smok- ing restriction in their residence. Targeted activities to encourage the adoption of voluntary smoke-free rules among groups least likely to implement 100% smoking restrictions in the home are urgently needed with participation of all stakeholders to ensure its success.