18 Oct 17 |
The smoke-free legislation is hugely popular; in 2015 87% of Scottish adults (65% of smokers) opposed it. The legislation has resulted in significant benefits, as well as changes in behaviour and attitudes towards smoking.
reduction in the rate of child asthma admissions per year, compared to an increase of 5% per year in the years preceding it.
reduction in heart attack admissions to nine Scottish hospitals. This compares with an annual reduction in Scottish admissions for heart attack of 3% per year in the decade before the ban.
reduction in second hand smoke exposure in 11 year olds and in adult non-smokers.
reduction in second hand smoke in bars.
increase in the proportion of homes with smoking restrictions.
evidence of smoking shifting from public places into the home.
public support for the legislation even among smokers, whose support increased once the legislation was in place.
Many researchers in Scotland contributed to the evaluation of the legislation. A complete list of the research is available at: www.ashscotland.org.uk/evaluation.
The last issue of 2017 packed full of the evidence and examples of good practice underpinning cancer prevention in Scotland. In this issue: Moving More: A workplace challenge, Yorkshire Bike Libraries, ActWELL Study - Full steam ahead, Reflections on 'gender neutral' HPV immunisation, Ongoing Scottish Research and more.