scholarly journals Romanian students’ attitude and opinion about the smoke-free indoors law

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
I M Prejbeanu ◽  
O Pita ◽  
M L Cara
Keyword(s):  
Public Transport ◽  
Public Spaces ◽  
Second Hand Smoke ◽  
Public Places ◽  
Tobacco Products ◽  
Maximum Security ◽  
Item Questionnaire ◽  
Tobacco Epidemic ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
The Law

Abstract The Romanian Parliament approved the first piece of legislation regarding smoking in public places in 2002; smoking was banned in most indoors but allowed in bars and restaurants. The law has been amended several times; the 2016 amendment banned smoking in nearly all indoor public spaces, in indoor workplaces, in playgrounds and on public transport; there are only two exceptions to the law - cells in maximum security prisons and designated rooms in the transit areas of international airports. In this context, we asked 498 students (in Law, Business Administration, Electronics, Languages, Sciences, Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy or Nursing), aged 21.93 ± 4.21 years, males and females, to answer a 23-item questionnaire on cigarettes smoking; the questionnaire included seven questions related to the Romanian smoke-free indoors law. A number of 131 students (26.3%) are cigarettes-smokers; there are statistically significant differences among the faculties subgroups (p < 0.01), the highest percent of smokers being in Dentistry (50%) and the lowest - in Languages (13%). Most of the students (N = 466 - 93.6%) agree with the smoke-free indoors law; the disagreement is registered among the smokers (27 vs. 5 non-smokers, p < 0.001). A number of 360 subjects (72.29%) mention they met situations of smoking in public places: in bars/clubs/restaurants (73.3%), staircases of blocks of flats (56.1%), public transport or taxis (44.1%), even hospitals (8.3%) and classrooms (7.7%). In 75.8% out of these situations nobody took attitude; 40 students (11.1%) acted themselves and drew attention (most often successfully) to the smokers about breaking the law. One fifth of the smokers of the group have also smoked/intended to smoke in public places; most of them are students in Electronics and just one - in Law (p < 0.05). Romanian students seem to be content with the ban of indoor smoking. Actions to reduce consumption of tobacco products and to protect public health have to be continued. Key messages Romanian young people seem to be content with the decrease of second hand smoke in indoor public spaces. Intense actions to combat the tobacco epidemic are still needed in Romania.

“Trikala Quits Smoking”: A Citizen Co-Creation Program Design to Enforce the Ban on Smoking in Enclosed Public Spaces in Greece

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 189-203 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leonidas Skerletopoulos ◽  
Angela Makris ◽  
Mahmooda Khaliq
Keyword(s):  
Social Norms ◽  
Social Marketing ◽  
Program Design ◽  
Public Spaces ◽  
Business Owners ◽  
City Council ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Public Places ◽  
The Law

Background: Tolerance and acceptance of smoking indoors by consumers is common in Greece, and for the most part, authorities turn the other cheek in enforcing long-standing legislation banning smoking in enclosed public places. Focus of the Article: This case study describes the “Trikala Quits Smoking” initiative, which was designed to enforce smoking legislation in Trikala, creating a new social norm to counter the national indifference to enforcing the law regarding smoking indoors. Declared a smart city three times since 2009 and considered one of the most digitally progressive cities in the country, Trikala presents a good example of how to achieve behavior change in a high-context culture. This article outlines the processes used and the lessons learned to achieve the long-term goal of protecting adults and children from the effects of indoor second-hand smoking (SHS) by changing perception and acceptance of indoor smoking by the community, business owners, and local government. Program Design/Approach: A citizen co-creation approach was used to design the program to attain community buy-in and change existing social norms. The Socio-Ecological Model guided this process. It engaged upstream, midstream, and downstream stakeholders, including medical professionals, commercial business owners, the municipal leadership, and citizens to initiate the change. The deCIDES framework was used to guide project implementation. Planning for the initiative started in January 2017, with implementation commencing September 2017 and the project ending June 2019. Importance to the Social Marketing Field: This case study is the first documentation of social marketing in Greece. Implementation of this initiative shows the value of social marketing in changing social norms for high-context cultures. Methods: Primary data were gathered using a citizen-orientated information gathering process consisting of open community meetings, closed group stakeholder meetings, and project member meetings. Data from the city council regarding the number of fines issued to businesses provided evidence of the intervention’s success. Results: Before the start of the intervention, less than five percent of businesses were compliant with the law; after implementation, 90% of the businesses were compliant. Over 1,200 inspections took place, and only 50 fines for lack of compliance were issued over 18 months. The initiative was deemed successful in banning smoking in enclosed public spaces and shifting social norms about SHS. In late 2019, a national ban on smoking in enclosed public places was enforced by the newly elected parliament.

scholarly journals Assessment of compliance to the COTPA 2003 legislation in tertiary healthcare institutes of Shimla: a smoke free city in India

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 1229
Author(s):  
Anita Thakur ◽  
Ankit Chaudhary ◽  
Tripti Chauhan ◽  
Anmol Gupta ◽  
Anjali Mahajan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tobacco Smoking ◽  
Educational Institution ◽  
Tobacco Product ◽  
Himachal Pradesh ◽  
Second Hand Smoke ◽  
Active Smoking ◽  
Public Places ◽  
Tobacco Products ◽  
Tertiary Healthcare ◽  
Assessment Of Compliance

Background: Tobacco smoking is a pandemic affecting populations and contributing to global morbidity and mortality. It is well known that the second hand smoke is equally hazardous like first hand smoke. Cigarette and other tobacco products act 2003 is an effort put forth by Government of India in order to curb this menace and protect people from ill effects of second hand smoke.Methods: The present study was conducted to assess the compliance to smoke free act in tertiary healthcare institutes in Shimla city, Himachal Pradesh. A total of 57 public places and 8 shops in five Tertiary healthcare institutes were evaluated for various provisions of the act. Compliance to different sections of the act was assessed using a structured observational checklist.Results: Signage indicating ban on smoking was seen at 71.9% places. Active smoking was absent at 77.2% places. About 25% shops around the institutes were found selling tobacco products. Signage displaying ban on sale within 100 m of educational institution and sale to minors was not observed at any shop. Tobacco product vendor was seen around 80% of educational buildings. Tobacco free institution signage was seen at 60% of educational premises.Conclusions: The study highlights that the level of compliance did not meet the standards laid down for a smoke free city. Timely and periodic assessment of the compliance must be conducted by the administrative authorities of the institutes for ensuring the adherence and strict implementation of the provisions of the act. 

Studying the Use of Public Spaces in the Library

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francine May
Keyword(s):  
Canadian Journal ◽  
Public Spaces ◽  
Library Science ◽  
Full Paper ◽  
Public Places ◽  
The Public ◽  
Observational Technique ◽  
Mental Mapping ◽  
Mapping Observation

Methods for studying the public places of libraries, including mental mapping, observation and patron mapping are reviewed. Reflections on the experience of adapting an observational technique for use in multiple different library spaces are shared. Sont passées en revue les méthodes pour étudier la place publique des bibliothèques, y compris les représentations mentales, l’observation et la catégorisation des usagers. L’auteure partage ses réflexions sur l’expérience d’adapter une technique d’observation à différents espaces de bibliothèque. ***Full paper in the Canadian Journal of Information and Library Science***

scholarly journals Use of masks in public places in Poland during SARS-Cov-2 epidemic: a covert observational study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Ganczak ◽  
Oskar Pasek ◽  
Łukasz Duda – Duma ◽  
Dawid Świstara ◽  
Marcin Korzeń
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
Observational Study ◽  
Control Measure ◽  
Communication Channels ◽  
Public Spaces ◽  
Personal Health ◽  
Closed Space ◽  
Public Places ◽  
Health Control ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Background Face masks have been employed in the COVID-19 pandemic plans as a public and personal health control measure against the spread of SARS-CoV-2. In Poland, obligatory wearing of masks in public spaces was introduced on April 10th, 2020; a relaxation of previous universal measures was announced on May 29th, 2020, limiting use to indoor public places. Objective To assess use of masks or other protective devices in public spaces in Poland during the SARS-Cov-2 epidemic. Methods A non-participatory covert observational study was conducted on three dates, (10.05/18.05/25.05.2020) at public spaces in 13 regions with different risks. Ten consecutive individuals were observed by each of 82 medical students (n = 2460 observations), using a structured checklist. Results Among 2353 observed persons, the female/male ratios were 1.0, 1.1, and 1.0 on the three dates. Almost three quarters - 73.6% (n = 552/750) were using masks on date 1, 66.5% (544/818) on date 2; and 65.7% (516/785) on date 3. Cloth masks predominated on all dates (64.7–62.3%-62.6%), followed by medical (23.4–28.5%-26.9%). Being female (OR = 1.77–1.47-1.53 respectively) and location in a closed space (OR = 2.60–2.59-2.32) were each associated with higher usage. Participants in sports were about two times less likely to use masks (OR = 0.64–0.53-0.53) as compared to other activities. The proportion using masks correctly decreased gradually over time (364/552; 65.9%; 339/544; 62.3% and 304/516; 58.9%). More females wore masks correctly (date 1: 205/294; 69.7% vs 159/258; 61.6%, and date 3: 186/284; 65.5% vs 118/232; 50.9%; p = 0.045; p = 0.0008 respectively). Uncovered noses (47.3–52.7%) and masks around the neck (39.2–42.6%) were the most frequent incorrect practices. Conclusions Practices were not in line with official recommendations, especially among males, and deteriorated over time. Cloth masks were predominantly used in public spaces. Health promotion, through utilizing all available communication channels, would be helpful to increase compliance.

scholarly journals The Quality of Life of Suburbanities: A Case Study of the Gdańsk Agglomeration

2010 ◽  
Vol 14 (14) ◽  
pp. 91-101
Author(s):  
Grzegorz Masik
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Local Government ◽  
Public Transport ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Public Spaces ◽  
Relative Importance ◽  
Made In

The Quality of Life of Suburbanities: A Case Study of the Gdańsk Agglomeration The article explains the meaning of the concept of ‘quality of life’, placing emphasis on its subjective dimension. As the concept is more and more discussed in the literature, the author intends to examine the satisfaction within public spaces for which local government is responsible. According to research made in Canada it is worth measuring not only satisfaction as such but also the importance of its constituent dynamics. Therefore, a survey made in the suburbs of the Gdańsk agglomeration asked respondents about their satisfaction with public transport, roads, environment, etc., including questions about the relative importance of such issues. The combination of satisfaction and importance provide the overall quality of life. At the end of the paper the author considers if there is a chance to improve the quality of life through a brief analysis of local governments expenditure.

scholarly journals Use of masks in public places in Poland during SARS-Cov-2 epidemic: a  covert observational study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Ganczak ◽  
Oskar Pasek ◽  
lukasz Duda-Duma ◽  
Dawid Świstara ◽  
Marcin Korzeń
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Observational Study ◽  
Communication Channels ◽  
Public Spaces ◽  
Transmission Risk ◽  
Closed Space ◽  
Public Places ◽  
Young Males ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Background: Face masks protect against SARS-Cov-2, however, if used incorrectly masks may increase transmission risk. Many countries, including Poland, recommend masks in pandemic control plans. In Poland, obligatory wearing of masks in public spaces was introduced on April 10th, 2020 [18]; a relaxation of previous universal measures was announced on May 29th, 2020, limiting use to indoor public spaces.Objective: to assess use of masks or other protective devices in public spaces in Poland during the SARS-Cov-2 epidemic and to evaluate influencing determinants.Methods: A non-participatory covert observational study was conducted on three dates, (10.05/18.05/ 25.05.2020) at public spaces in 13 regions with different risks. Ten consecutive individuals were observed by each of 82 medical students (n=2460 observations), using a structured checklist.Results: Among 2353 observed persons, the female/male ratios were 1.0, 1.1, and 1.0 on the three dates. As for age, 21-60-year-olds predominated at 70.8%, 71.9%, and 70.2%; 73.6% (n=552/750) were using masks on date 1, 66.5% (544/818) on date 2; and 65.7% (516/785) on date 3. Cloth masks predominated on all dates (64.7%-62.3%-62.6%), followed by medical (23.4%-28.5%-26.9%). Being female (OR=1.75-1.47-1.53 respectively), aged >40 years (OR=1.46-1.48 respectively), and location in a closed space (OR=2.56-2.63-2.36) were each associated with higher usage. Participants in sports were about two times less likely to use masks (OR=0.64-0.54-0.5) as compared to other activities. The proportion using masks correctly decreased gradually over time (364/552; 65.9%; 339/544; 62.3% and 304/516; 58.9%). More females wore masks correctly (date 1: 205/294; 69.7% vs 159/258; 61.6%, and date 3: 186/284; 65.5% vs 118/232; 50.9%; p=0.045; p=0.0008 respectively). Uncovered noses (47.3%-52.7%) and masks around the neck (39.2%-42.6%) were the most frequent incorrect practices. Conclusions: Practices were not in line with official recommendations, especially among young males, and deteriorated over time. Cloth masks were predominantly used in public spaces. Health promotion, through utilizing all available communication channels, would be helpful to increase compliance.

scholarly journals AGEING IN LUSOPHONE COUNTRIES: THE IMPACT OF AGE-SPECIFIC LEGISLATION ON THE RECOGNITION OF RIGHTS

2013 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-15
Author(s):  
Ana Carolina Braz ◽  
Maria da Luz Cabral ◽  
Susana Maria Gonçalves Coimbra ◽  
Anne Marie Victorine Germaine Fontaine ◽  
Zilda Aparecida Pereira Del Prette
Keyword(s):  
Older Persons ◽  
Psychosocial Interventions ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Descriptive Study ◽  
Brazilian Sample ◽  
Brazilian Legislation ◽  
Item Questionnaire ◽  
The Law ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Ageing Phenomenon

The ageing phenomenon of the 21 St Century has led to an increased need of public policies to protect the rights of the older population. An example is the Law of the Rights of Older Persons, a Brazilian legislation. Some countries still lack this kind of legislation, which may cause more vulnerability among this population. The exercise of interpersonal rights in daily life requires recognition of general and specific duties, beyond the competence to exercise them. Considering that the first step in the exercise of rights is to recognize them, the goals of this descriptive study are: (a) presenting some exploratory and inferential data on the recognition of rights, from the responses of 60 elderly (30 Brazilian and 30 Portuguese) to an eight-item questionnaire regarding to the Law for the Rights of Older Persons, (b) discussing the importance of the elderly rights in the Brazilian and Portuguese contexts. In general, the Brazilian sample presented higher scores than the Portuguese sample for the recognition of three rights (priority assistance, free issuing of documents, reserved parking spaces) which might be related to the existence of a legislation in Brazil but not in Portugal. Both groups reported higher scores only of awareness of rights, medium scores for exercising rights and low scores for discrimination of unrespected rights and for mobilization of feelings of justice, which points to possible difficulties to claim for their rights. These findings may indicate that age-specific legislation is a necessary but not sufficient condition to prevent violence against the older persons. We discuss the importance of research and psychosocial interventions to promote the necessary skills for the older persons claim and defend their rights. Key words: Lusophone countries, older persons, recognition of rights.

scholarly journals Survey of compliance with the cigarettes and other tobacco products act, 2003 at schools in Mangalore, Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (8) ◽  
pp. 3289 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Mathias ◽  
Pratap Kumar Jena ◽  
Sanjeev Kumar Shah ◽  
Jay Prakash Sah ◽  
Koshish Raj Gautam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Indirect Evidence ◽  
The Body ◽  
Smoking Ban ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Government Schools ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Public Places ◽  
Tobacco Products ◽  
Wide Range

Background: Tobacco use is a major problem of public health significance as the tobacco smoking causes a wide range of diseases and adverse health impacts that affect nearly every organ of the body. The COTPA, 2003 i.e., the Indian smoke-free legislation “Prohibition of smoking in Public places” which forbids smoking in public places, including educational institutions. The main objective of this study is to assess the compliance of Section 4 and Section 6(b) of cigarettes and other tobacco products act (COTPA), 2003 in schools, to observe compliance of smoking ban at public places, to observe compliance of display of signboards at prominent places, to observe for direct and indirect evidence of smoking and other tobacco products used in school buildings and premises, to study the availability of tobacco products within 100 yards of school premises.Methods: A cross sectional survey in 100 schools in Dakshina Kannada district using compliance guide developed by partners of Bloomberg School of Public health to reduce tobacco use.Results: In 100 schools, 55 were rural area and 45 from urban area, further division shows government/semi-government schools were 44 and Private schools were 56. Section 4 for the presence of signboard, there is an association between the Management wise schools and presence of signboards (p=0.001), for section 6(b) of COTPA, there is an association between this Section and type of management (p=0.004).Conclusions: The schools depending upon the location show varied compliance towards the law. The Section 6(b) shows better compliance than Section 4.This study will help to address the implementation issues of COTPA. 

scholarly journals Recovery of residual public spaces to improve the quality of life of the inhabitants of San Borja, Lima

2021 ◽  
Vol 2089 (1) ◽  
pp. 012051
Author(s):  
O Facho ◽  
T Cama ◽  
D Esenarro ◽  
J Livia ◽  
C Cuetoand ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Public Space ◽  
Public Spaces ◽  
Public Places ◽  
The Public ◽  
Phase Study

Abstract The present research aims to propose a model for the recovery of residual public spaces to improve the quality of life of the district of San Borja’s inhabitants. San Borja is in the process of densification and requires a more significant number of public spaces that offer, in addition to vegetation, public places for active and passive recreation, such as spaces for sports and games, walking pets, and relaxation. These needs have increased due to the confinement caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, it was noted that the median strip, or central reservation of the avenue, can be recovered for people to use. Therefore, a four-phase study was carried out that included reviewing the literature and observing two cases. In conclusion, a model was proposed to recover the public space of the median strips of San Borja Norte Avenue and San Borja Sur Avenue to improve the quality of life of the inhabitants of San Borja, which can be replicated in other avenues with residual spaces with similar characteristics.

Free Public Wi-Fi and E-Planning

2014 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 70-85 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex Lambert ◽  
Scott McQuire ◽  
Nikos Papastergiadis
Keyword(s):  
Public Space ◽  
Network Models ◽  
Public Spaces ◽  
Public Institutions ◽  
Positive Outcomes ◽  
Cultural Institutions ◽  
Multiple Forms ◽  
Local Economies ◽  
Public Places ◽  
The Public

Networked media are increasingly pervading public spaces and influencing the way we behave in public. Australian municipalities and cultural institutions have begun deploying free Wi-Fi services hoping they will attract more visitors to public places, aid in curated events, galvanize communities and enhance local economies. In this article we present multi-method research aimed at understanding whether such services can enhance public space and culture, and hence contribute to the public good. We identify multiple forms of positive use which certain kinds of ‘user-centric' services enable. However, many public institutions face problems to do with funding, network models and choice of place which prevent the actualization of these positive outcomes. We consider how e-planning can be mobilized to help such institutions develop virtuous networked public spaces.

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