Learning Objectives: describe how restrictions on smoking in the workplace may impact smoking patterns and dosing of pharmacotherapies.
Abstract:
Problem/Objective: Oregon, like many states, has limited smoking in the workplace. Workplace restrictions reduce overall cigarette consumption, but little is known about potential shifts in smoking patterns that could result from restrictions. Pattern shifts may have implications for treatments. This study investigated implications of workplace restrictions on smoking patterns.
Methods: We analyzed data from two groups of employed smokers. Potential cessation participants (PCP) who called our clinic to participate in smoking cessation trials (n=270) and active smokers (AS) surveyed on the OHSU campus (n=59). Smokers were asked questions about workplace restrictions, frequency of smoking and when they smoked. Frequency data were collapsed into daytime (awakening until off work) and evening (off work until retiring).
Results: Most smokers could smoke at work; 93% (PCP) and 90% (AS). Mean numbers of cigarettes smoked per calendar day for PCP and AS who had no restrictions at work were 29 and 23.6; with partial restrictions 21.2 and 15.3; and total restriction 17 and 14.7, respectively. Mean percent of cigarettes smoked during “daytime” for PCP and AS who had no restrictions at work were 70% and 60%; with partial restrictions 56% and 45%; and total restriction 34% and 39%, respectively.
Conclusions: Our data suggest that restrictions on workplace smoking reduce cigarette consumption and result in a shift in smoking patterns to greater evening smoking. However, due to the small number of smokers who reported totally non-restricted or totally restricted workplaces, additional study is needed. There was no external funding for this analysis.
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