Influences of Tobacco-Related Knowledge on Awareness and Behavior towards Smoking

BACKGROUND: A considerable amount of research has shown that knowledge and appropriate awareness are essential for encouraging positive behaviors and promoting health. In Korea, the roles that behavioral changes play in the prevention of cancer have been an important issue since the introduction of the 10 codes for cancer prevention in 2006. Thus, the present study investigated the associations of tobacco-related knowledge with awareness and attitudes towards positive smoking-cessation behaviors. METHODS: The present study analyzed data from the 2010 national questionnaire survey (n = 1,006). This study evaluated sociodemographic characteristics, smoking status, self-rated health status, health-related interests, and the accuracy of 12 tobacco-related statements to determine knowledge level and to investigate its impact on awareness and behaviors related to smoking. These parameters were examined and staged using the Precaution Adoption Process Model. RESULTS: A higher level of tobacco-related knowledge was significantly associated with a positive attitude towards smoking cessation (5–8 correct answers: odds ratio [OR], 2.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.57–4.08; ≥ 9 correct answers: OR, 3.90; 95% CI, 2.22–6.82; reference: ≤ 4 correct answers). Interestingly, among current smokers, only those who correctly responded to ≥ 9 of 12 tobacco-related statements were significantly associated with a positive attitude towards smoking cessation. CONCLUSION: This study found that having a higher level of tobacco-related knowledge had a significant impact on positive attitudes towards smoking cessation. This suggests that there is a need to disseminate appropriate knowledge to the general population to encourage positive attitudes and promote healthful behaviors in terms of smoking.

Awareness of and Attitudes toward Human Papillomavirus Vaccination among Adults in Korea: 9-Year Changes in Nationwide Surveys / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination has been included in the National Immunization Program in Korea since 2016. We aimed to evaluate changes in the awareness of and attitudes toward HPV vaccination, among adults in Korea since the first introduction of the vaccines in 2007. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A nationwide population-based survey was conducted in 2016 for 1,200 nationally representative Korean men and women; the data obtained were compared with the data from the nationwide survey conducted in 2007. RESULTS: A significant increase in the awareness of HPV infection (35.8%) and vaccination (36.9%) was observed in 2016 from 13.3% and 8.6% in 2007, respectively. Willingness to be vaccinated against HPV decreased from 55.0% in 2007 to 25.8% in 2016, and the proportion of respondents expressing uncertainty increased from 28.3% in 2007 to 43.3% in 2016. Only 12.1% of men and 22.0% of women knew about the free national HPV vaccination program for girls, launched in June 2016. Younger women, with higher income level, awareness of the HPV vaccine, and perception of the seriousness of infections had a higher willingness to be vaccinated. A high education level, awareness of HPV infection and vaccination, and perception of the seriousness of infection were positively associated with the willingness of respondents to vaccinate their daughters. CONCLUSION: Raising the awareness of HPV infection and vaccination with appropriate knowledge is necessary for the successful implementation of the national HPV vaccination program.

Scientific Evidence Supporting Policy Change: A Study on Secondhand Smoke Exposure in Non-smoking Areas of PC Rooms in Korea / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to measure secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure in personal computer (PC) rooms with the purpose of determining the strength of scientific evidence supporting the legislative ban on smoking in PC rooms located in the Republic of Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From June to September 2012, particulate matter (PM2.5) and air nicotine concentration (ANC) were measured in the smoking and non-smoking areas of PC rooms in Goyang City, Korea. In 28 randomly sampled PC rooms, field investigators completed an observational questionnaire on building characteristics, smoking policies, and evidence of smoking. The geometric means (GM) of PM2.5 and ANC in smoking and non-smoking areas were compared. RESULTS: Evidence of smoking was identified in both the smoking and non-smoking areas of all PC rooms. The GMs of PM2.5 and ANC in both areas were high and did not differ significantly (174.77 μg/m3 and 48.95 μg/m3 in smoking areas; 93.38 μg/m3 and 41.30 μg/m3 in non-smoking areas). Overall PM2.5 concentrations were 5.5-fold higher than those listed in the World Health Organization guidelines. CONCLUSION: This study supported previous reports that a partial smoking ban did not protect individuals from SHS exposure. Furthermore, the results from our study suggest how research can support policy. Countries in which smoke-free policies are not yet comprehensive may find our results useful.

Consequences of Incomplete Smoke-Free Legislation in the Republic of Korea: Results from Environmental and Biochemical Monitoring: Community Based Study / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: In some countries with high smoking prevalence, smoke-free legislation has only been implemented in specific public places, as opposed to a comprehensive ban on smoking in all public places. The purpose of this study was to provide valid data on second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure that reflect the consequences of incomplete smoke-free legislation, and provide a rationale for expanding this legislation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Indoor and outdoor environmental exposure (fine particulate matter [PM2.5], air nicotine, and dust 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone [NNK]) was monitored in 35 public places where smoking is prohibited by law in Goyang, Republic of Korea. Biomarkers of SHS exposure (urinary cotinine, hair nicotine, and urinary 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol) were measured in 37 non-smoking employees. Geometric means and standard deviations were used in comparison of each measure. RESULTS: Considerable exposure of SHS was detected at all indoor monitoring sites (PM2.5, 95.5 mug/m3 in private educational institutions; air nicotine, 0.77 mug/m3 in large buildings; and dust NNK, 160.3 pg/mg in large buildings); environmental measures were higher in private or closed locations, such as restrooms. Outdoor measures of SHS exposure were lowest in nurseries and highest in government buildings. Biochemical measures revealed a pattern of SHS exposure by monitoring site, and were highest in private educational institutions. CONCLUSION: The evidence of SHS exposure in legislative smoke-free places in Korea suggests that incomplete smoke free legislation and lack of enforcement of it might not protect people from exposure to smoke. Therefore, active steps should be taken toward a comprehensive ban on smoking in all public places and its enforcement.