[Non-smoker protection and tobacco cessation].

Non-smoker protection and tobacco cessation Abstract.

Objective

Whereas, on the one hand, employees in child and adolescent psychiatric institutions (CAP) have to enforce smoking bans among patients, on the other hand, they have a high likelihood of being smokers themselves. Little data are available on the enforcement of smoking regulations and what cessation support is offered by CAP institutions. Method: In an online survey, n = 78 senior staff members or directors of German CAP institutions (41.9 % of all addressed CAP institutions) responded to questions on smoking regulations, exceptions, and cessation support for employees.

Results

The enforcement of comprehensive smoking bans is rarely reported (<20 % of CAP institutions). Employees are exempted or allowed to smoke mostly outside of the building (e. g., in designated smoking areas: 69-78 % depending on ward type). Cessation support was offered by less than half of the CAP institutions (47%).

Conclusions

The data presented point toward future areas for tobacco control in CAP care, including transparent regulations, staff training, and dissemination of support for occupational smoking cessation.