Informing outdoor smokefree policy: Methods for measuring the proportion of people smoking in outdoor public areas

摘要: Abstract Introduction To advance the design and implementation of outdoor smokefree area policies, we aimed to develop simple, low-cost methods for measuring smoking in a variety public places. Methods Two were developed used by solo observers during March 2011–February 2012 measure proportion people at sites. Results Both performed well (n=5553 observed); first 58 sites UK New Zealand (n=3191 second 33 (n=2362 observed), with significant differences found between types countries. For two countries combined, proportions (amongst those over 12 years) children’s play areas was significantly lower compared all other combined (risk ratio=0.39; 95%CI: 0.20 0.76; p=0.002). Conclusions Solo can establish range Such inform policymaking providing baseline post-policy data enable location targeting policy evaluation.