Recall and Effectiveness of Messages Promoting Smoke-Free Policies in Rural Communities.

Introduction: Low-cost media campaigns increase demand for smoke-free policies in underserved rural areas. The study examined the impact of loss- and gain-framed smoke-free print ads on recall and perceived effectiveness in rural communities, controlling for personal characteristics.

Methods: Following 6- to 9-month print media campaigns in three rural counties, recall and perceived effectiveness of loss-framed (ie, targeting dangers of secondhand smoke [SHS]) and gain-framed (ie, highlighting positive aspects of smoke-free air) ads were assessed using random-digit-dial phone surveys.

Do smoke-free laws in rural, distressed counties encourage cessation?

The authors examined the association between smoke-free laws and smoking/cessation behaviors and secondhand smoke exposure among current and former smokers in rural, distressed counties. A quasi-experimental, two-group design compared outcomes between participants from a county with a longstanding smoke-free law (n = 252) and those living in four demographically similar counties without smoke-free laws ( n = 250). Participants were recruited using random digit dialing.

Time since smoke-free law and smoking cessation behaviors.

Introduction: We examined the association between time since implementation of a smoke-free law and cessation behaviors among current and former smokers.

Methods: A quasiexperimental, three-group design assessed smoking and cessation behaviors via brief telephone interviews with 295 randomly selected current and former smokers who had quit since a smoke-free law took effect in their community. Participants lived in one of four communities that had implemented a smoke-free law in the preceding 6-8 months (n = 106), 18 months (n = 87), or 36 months (n = 102).

Public support for smoke-free laws in rural communities.

Background: There has been an upward trend in smoke-free laws in countries, states, and municipalities in recent years. However, these laws are more likely to be enacted in urban areas. The purpose of this study was to examine public opinion of smoke-free laws and to determine if there was a difference in support for these laws between urban and rural dwellers.

Public opinion and smoke-free laws.

Public support for Lexington-Fayette County, Kentucky's smoke-free law, perception of health risks from exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS), smoking behaviors, and frequency of visiting restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues were assessed pre- and post-law. Two cohorts of noninstitutionalized adults (N = 2,146) were randomly selected and invited to participate in a 10- to 15-min telephone survey. Public support for the smoke-free law increased from 56% to 63%, and respondents were 1.