Research Article: Barriers and opportunities for improving smoke-free area implementation in Banda Aceh city, Indonesia: a qualitative study
Abstract:
Objectives To investigate the challenges and opportunities for implementing smoke-free areas (SFAs) within eight area categories using the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control as a framework for analysis. Design This study used qualitative methods (in-depth interviews and document reviews). All transcripts from the interviews and formal documents were coded using NVivo V.11 software and analysed using an inductive thematic analysis. Setting Banda Aceh, Indonesia. Participants Seventy-three participants were interviewed, stratified by ages (18–59 years): policymakers (n=4), SFA implementers (n=33), SFA’s non-compliance prosecutors (n=2), SFA observers (n=4), communities/respected figures (n=30); and 10 documents were reviewed. Results Barriers to the effective implementation of SFAs were identified: conflict of interests of Banda Aceh authorities in implementing SFA policies; inadequate monitoring, evaluation and implementation of SFAs among involved actors; inadequate public communication of SFAs to communities; and misunderstanding of ‘enclosed areas’ as SFAs. However, some important opportunities were identified: the Ministry of Education promotes SFA at schools; and smoking prohibition as part of sharia and other religions’ recommendations. Conclusions This research is the first study to examine SFAs to understand the challenges and opportunities for improving SFA policy implementation by interviewing various key respondents in Banda Aceh (religious leaders and respected figures). These key stakeholders’ roles are crucial to enhance the implementation of SFA policies in Banda Aceh (currently suboptimal) and other populous Muslim areas in Indonesia or other countries because smoking contradicts Islamic teachings and other religions’ tenets. Further, the findings propose policymakers and involved agencies strengthen public communication, execution, monitoring and evaluation, and enforcement of SFA policies in Aceh. Finally, the application of methods and results from this study to other local areas in Indonesia or other developing nations is necessary to facilitate further understanding more about the applicability, advantages and limitations of this study.
Introduction:
Indonesia has neither ratified the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) nor had a national framework for tobacco control, 1 and the country accounts for the highest smoking rates in the Southeast Asia region. 2–4 The country has recorded an increase of smoking prevalence among young people (adolescents aged 10–19 years) from 7.2% in 2013 to 9.2% in 2019. 2 5 Ongoing high rates of tobacco smoking are associated with cardiovascular-related diseases resulting in 225?720 deaths each year in Indonesia. 2…
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