Perceived community support about the implementation of a smoke-free environment regional regulations in the Tegal municipality

Background
A smoke-free environment regional regulation is expected to greatly decrease the negative impact of cigarette smoking in public places; however, community perception of the regulation prior to its implementation remains unclear.

Objectives
This research aims to determine community perception and support for the implementation of a smoke-free environment regional regulation in the Tegal municipality.

Material and methods
A quantitative study with a cross-sectional approach was conducted in seven zones identified as smoke-free environments under Government Act No. 36 of 2009. Perception and support were determined through surveys using an accidental sampling framework. A total of 226 samples were collected to explore community perception of the demands, obstacles and opportunities surrounding the implementation of a smoke-free environment regional regulation in the Tegal municipality.

Results
This study shows that 84.50% of the respondents agreed with (84.50%) and completely (84.96%) supported the implementation of a smoke-free environment regulation in the Tegal municipality. In fact, most of the respondents with an active smoking status (62.50%) also agreed with and supported this regulation. Support for implementation of a smoke-free environment regional regulation was mainly determined by age group. The elderly and adult age group supported the implementation of such a regulation more than the adolescent age group. Furthermore, respondents with fair knowledge, attitude and commitment were 14 times more supportive of the implementation than those with poorer knowledge, attitude and commitment.

Conclusions
This research shows that those with an active smoking status also support this regional regulation, which indicates that active smokers understand the importance of protecting people around them from cigarette smoking.