Trends of public opinion on tobacco use and public policy.

This study examined the trends and stability of public opinion related to tobacco use and raising tobacco taxes in Indiana. Using a structured questionnaire, a sample of 800 households was randomly selected, and the adults were interviewed by telephone in 1989, 1990 and 1992 by the Indiana University Center for Survey Research. The data were subjected to descriptive and chi-square statistical procedures. The results of the study indicate that more than 80% agreed that secondhand smoke is a health threat, and the opinions remained practically stable for the duration of the study. Most respondents agreed that public places should be required to have nonsmoking areas. Further, most people favored a tax increase on cigarettes, and there was an upward trend toward more people favoring a tax increase in recent years. It was concluded that the tax on tobacco should be increased for public health reasons.