Cent Eur J Public Health 2020 Oct;28 Suppl:S22-S25 | DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a6160

Barriers to introduction of smoke-free workplaces in Central Europe: example of the Czech Republic

Eva Králíková1,2, Alexandra Pánková1,2
1 Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
2 Centre for Tobacco Dependence, Third Medical Department, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic

Objectives: Smoking at the workplace has a negative impact both on employers' economic interests and employees' health. The aim of this study is to describe the current situation, mainly barriers in implementation and resources in the Czech Republic as an example of a Central European country.

Methods: We synthesised relevant review papers with our knowledge of the local situation based upon professional experience of both authors.

Results: Despite smoke-free laws, some EU workers are still exposed to passive smoking during working hours. The main barriers towards smoke-free workplace implementation are the lack of resources, perception of smoking as a norm, and exceptions for leading personalities and their smoking. Social support increases smoking cessation effectiveness. Low availability of local smoking cessation services is an overall problem in Central Europe.

Conclusions: The working environment influences smoking habits. Smoking cessation support is cost-effective not only for the smoking employee but for employers as well. Smoking cessation resources should be available during the working day. No exceptions should be made as they serve as barriers to a smoke-free working environment.

Keywords: smoking, employers, employees, economic, health, smoking cessation

Received: March 1, 2020; Revised: July 26, 2020; Accepted: July 26, 2020; Published: October 18, 2020  Show citation

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Králíková E, Pánková A. Barriers to introduction of smoke-free workplaces in Central Europe: example of the Czech Republic. Cent Eur J Public Health. 2020;28(Supplement):S22-25. doi: 10.21101/cejph.a6160. PubMed PMID: 33069177.
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