Type of Document	Thesis
Author	Gabor, Carmen L.
Author's Email Address	carmen.gabor@gmail.com
URN	etd-11082006-193931
Title	Analysis of the Effects of a Workplace Smoking Ban on Smoking Behavior of Employees
Degree	Master of Science
Department	Nursing, School of
Advisory Committee	Advisor Name Title Laurie Grubbs Committee Chair Mary Beth Zeni Committee Member Susan Porterfield Committee Member
Keywords	ETS Nurse Practitioner Employee Health Smoking Cessation Transtheoretical Model Quit Smoking Healthcare Hospital
Date of Defense	2006-10-30
Availability	unrestricted
Abstract This study explored the effects of a complete smoking ban on smoking behavior of employees of a hospital in north Florida. Data from the hospital’s employee smoking survey was used as pre-existing data for a convenience sample of smoking and non-smoking employees, 18 months after the implementation of a smoke-free policy. A response rate of 9% (n = 216) was achieved. The reported reduction in smoking consumption following the ban was statistically significant according to the Wilcoxon test. There was a 30% (n = 14) reduction in cigarette consumption reported, 5% (n =2) quit rate, and 2% (n = 1) reported started smoking for a total 34% total change in smoking behavior. The respondents showed considerable agreement with the policy however there was a need for better compliance and enforcement of it. There was a 5% (n = 2) employee enrollment for the smoking cessation program among the respondents, with 50% (n = 1) success rate and 50% (n = 1) reduction in smoking. These results indicate that although the smoking cessation program was ineffective in reducing over all smoking among employees, the smoking policy has significantly decreased smoking consumption among employees resulting in a positive impact on smoking behavior. It is suggested that in the future, there should be more focus on the smoking cessation program, which should be an ongoing program even after the ban. More education is needed to inform employees about cessation aids available to them and support to motivate employees to give up smoking. Better enforcement of the policy by security personnel and employees was mentioned. This study concluded that smoke free workplaces not only protect non-smokers but also encouraged smokers to quit smoking or decrease cigarette consumption.
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