PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE ABOUT PASSIVE SMOKING - RESULTS FROM A SURVEY IN THEAUSTRALIAN-CAPITAL-TERRITORY

Spreading public knowledge about the health consequences of passive sm oking is now a major health priority. Using data from a random sample of Australian Capital Territory residents conducted in November-Decemm ber 1991, this paper examines the level of general and specific knowle dge that individuals possess about passive smoking. While 87% of the s ample gave an accurate definition of passive smoking, the 13% who did not were distinguished by lack of educational qualifications and by em ployment outside the government sector. A similar proportion did not s ee any illnesses being associated with passive smoking, and this group was significantly more likely to consist of current smokers. Employme nt status emerged as a factor influencing specific knowledge of passiv e smoking, highlighting the importance of continued moves to restrict smoking within the workplace.