Efficacy of tobacco dependence treatment in the context of a "smoke-free grounds" worksite policy: A case study

Background Smoking restrictions provide opportunities to modify smoking behavior. A large insurance company implemented a smoke‐free grounds policy at two of their office complexes in January, 2000. Methods This cohort study evaluated the impact of the smoke‐free grounds policy on abstinence among 128 employees who participated in a tobacco dependence treatment program. Results The overall quit rate at 6 months was 44.5%. The larger complex showed a trend for higher quit rates compared to the smaller complex (46.5 vs. 28.6%). Post‐ban participants had higher quit rates than pre‐ban participants (52.4 vs. 43.0%). The probability of abstinence at 6 months follow‐up was higher for post‐ban compared to pre‐ban participants (P = 0.03). Post‐ban participants were 80% less likely to relapse than pre‐ban participants. Non‐quitters decreased their consumption by 6.6 cigarettes/day (39.1% decrease). Conclusions A “smoke‐free grounds” policy encourages abstinence and may play a significant role in harm reduction among continuing tobacco users. Am. J. Ind. Med. 46:180–187, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.