Public support for tobacco control policies: The role of the protection of children against tobacco

Introduction: In many countries, health advocates aim to increase public support for tobacco control policies by framing these policies in terms of child protection. We examined whether support for the protection of children is indeed associated with support for tobacco control policies, even among smokers, opponents of state intervention and opponents of a governmental role in tobacco control. Methods: We used a survey on a representative sample of Dutch adults of 18 years and older (n = 1631). The survey measured respondents' support for banning tobacco displays, raising the age of sale for tobacco to 21 years and limiting tobacco sales to specialized shops. Regression analyses were done to assess the association with respondents' support for the protection of children against tobacco. In further analyses, subgroup interactions were added. Results: Respondents' support for the protection of children against tobacco with legislation was positively related to support for all three policies. Associations were weaker for smokers (except for raising the age of sale) but similar for opponents of state intervention and opponents of a governmental role in tobacco control. Conclusion: This is the first paper to empirically support the idea that emphasizing the need to protect children against tobacco enhances support for tobacco control policies. This 'child effect' is effective in all segments of the population, albeit somewhat weaker among smokers. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.