Abstract
Abstract
[Background] The Oita Taxi. Kyokai prohibited smoking in all taxis in Oita City in April, 2006 and in Beppu City in July, 2006. The present study reports the results of a questionnaire distributed to taxi user's in Oita and Beppu how they feel about the total smoking ban in taxi [Methods] The questionnaire about “nonsmoking taxis” was as follows.
(Q.1) Do you know the total smoking ban in taxis?
(Q.2) Do you agree with the implementation?
(Q.3) Do you want the implementation continue?
(Q.4) (To smokers) Did you plan to quit smoking because of the implementation? [Results] Among 1,890 answer (effective answer rate 96%) smokers were 764 (40%). 74% of the smokers and 71% of the nonsmokers replied that they knew about the total smoking ban in taxies. Among 1,363 who replied “yes” to Q 1,43% of the smokers and 95% of the nonsmokers replied to agree with the implementation, and 46% of the smokers and 97% of the nonsmokers replied the continues. 25% of smokers replied that They planed to quit smoking because of the implementation. [Conclusion] The results showed the smoking ban in all taxis was fairly well accepted and received a favorable. This study was the first report to reveal the actual conditions after a smoking ban had been implemented in all taxis controlled by an administrative unit in Japan. These data may assist policymakers in promoting policies regarding nonsmoking taxis in the future.
