TOBACCO USE AND SMOKING POLICY PERCEPTIONS ONBOARD AN AIRCRAFT-CARRIER

Prior to implementing a shipwide no-smoking policy, the crew of U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) participated in a voluntary survey on tob acco-related matters, The survey queried participants on their tobacco -use history, subjective exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) , and attitudes related to smoking policy prior to the cessation of al l smoking activities aboard ship. Of the 2,221 crewmembers who partici pated (74% response rate), 36% classified themselves as current cigare tte smokers. Nonsmokers estimated their general exposure to ETS betwee n ''low'' to ''moderate.'' Of all participants, 57% were in favor of t he current restricted smoking policy, including 18% of currently smoki ng personnel. Follow-up research is being con ducted to assess the lon g-term impact of the no-smoking policy on changes in attitudes regardi ng policy, tobacco use rates, and ETS exposure.