<p>Banning smoking hardly inspires people to reduce or quit it altogether, says a study that found no significant change in home habits in the aftermath of a ban in Quebec.<br /><br />Greater inspiration to kick the habit likely comes from having friends or family who set an example by giving up cigarettes themselves, the researchers noted.</p>.<p><br />"What distinguishes people who restrict smoking at home is the presence of a non-smoker," said Sylvia Kairouz, associate professor at the Concordia University in Canada.<br /><br />"The social network seems to be more of a factor than the law," Kairouz noted.<br />With advance knowledge of a smoking ban in Quebec, Canada that took effect in May 2006, researchers were able to collect data from a representative cross-section of the population a month ahead of time.<br /><br />They then followed up a year and a half later.<br />Analysing trends over the past decade, the researchers found that a much broader range of factors have reduced the number of nicotine addicts beyond simply forcing smokers to huddle outdoors more often.<br /><br />"There needs to be an integrated approach of ecological measures along with taxation, prevention and information," Kairouz said.<br /><br />"But one of the most important components is to have public health services available for people who are trying to quit," Kairouz noted.<br />The study was published in the journal Nicotine & Tobacco Research</p>
<p>Banning smoking hardly inspires people to reduce or quit it altogether, says a study that found no significant change in home habits in the aftermath of a ban in Quebec.<br /><br />Greater inspiration to kick the habit likely comes from having friends or family who set an example by giving up cigarettes themselves, the researchers noted.</p>.<p><br />"What distinguishes people who restrict smoking at home is the presence of a non-smoker," said Sylvia Kairouz, associate professor at the Concordia University in Canada.<br /><br />"The social network seems to be more of a factor than the law," Kairouz noted.<br />With advance knowledge of a smoking ban in Quebec, Canada that took effect in May 2006, researchers were able to collect data from a representative cross-section of the population a month ahead of time.<br /><br />They then followed up a year and a half later.<br />Analysing trends over the past decade, the researchers found that a much broader range of factors have reduced the number of nicotine addicts beyond simply forcing smokers to huddle outdoors more often.<br /><br />"There needs to be an integrated approach of ecological measures along with taxation, prevention and information," Kairouz said.<br /><br />"But one of the most important components is to have public health services available for people who are trying to quit," Kairouz noted.<br />The study was published in the journal Nicotine & Tobacco Research</p>