Abstract:
This research project aims: to assess the effectiveness of national measures, to study problems and obstructions of the existing national measures, and to propose some guidelines to improve the effectiveness of the national measures for a smoke-free environment in Nong Khai. It is an integrated research study using quantitative and qualitative methods. The research was conducted using quantitative data collection and a random sampling method for 400 respondents in Nong Khai. The study covered locations that are classified as non-smoking areas. Additionally, the qualitative data collection, through in-depth interviews, was carried out for 14 informants, consisting of: monk representatives, government official agent representatives, provincial administration organization representatives, teacher representatives, provincial health representatives, restaurant operator representatives, resort operator representatives, post office representatives, district health promotion agency representatives, and police officer/investigator representatives. The data was collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics and percentages. Utilizing a qualitative method, the information from the in-depth interviews was also analyzed and summarized. To gather the quantitative data, the researchers conducted several surveys for male samples (48.75%) and female samples (51.25%) in non-smoking premises. These samples were inhabited or located in 30 (7.50%) health care and health promotion facilities, 40 (10.00%) educational institutes, 225 (56.30%) common public places, 12 (3.00%) public transport stations and vehicles, and 93 (23.30%) religious places and dharma retreat centers such as temples, mosques and churches. The following results were obtained. It was discovered that 228 (57.00%) of these non-smoking premises had displayed non-smoking signs as specified by the Ministry of Public Health; however, nothing was found (43.00%) premises. There were no smokers found non-smoking premises (31.50%), but smokers were found (68.50%) premises. Regarding whether or not any equipment or facilities for smoking were provided in the premises, however, nothing was found (24.80%) premises. The qualitative study employing the in-depth interviews uncovered the following results. The committee and subcommittee on alcohol and tobacco control of Nong Khai arranged meetings once a month. The authorities concerned from all sectors coordinated and joined forces to reduce the number of smokers. Non-smoking stickers were displayed at various points in non-smoking areas. Hospitals initiated the “Smoking Cessation Clinic” by launching a program under the project “Three Million, Three Years, Quit Smoking”. Some schools integrated campaigns in sport events to combat against cigarettes smoking. Restaurants displayed clear non-smoking stickers. Despite all the efforts, there were some hindrances to a successful smoke-free environment due to the discontinuous and limited publicity, the unclear and lack of rigorous law enforcement on tobacco control, and the smoking behavior of individuals. In order to improve and solidify the national measures for a smoke-free environment in Nong Khai, the researchers recommend that all related agencies should extensively publicize smoking law on television, radio, as well as the Internet. Media should occasionally campaign and distribute some brochures about smoking law to educate the public to strictly comply with the law. All the authorities concerned should organize some collaborative networking projects to exchange knowledge on how to create a smoking-free environment. For improved effectiveness of the national measures to a smoke-free environment in Nong Khai, all the above recommendations should be developed into practical policies, sustainable measures, and viable activities/projects.
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