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Global Research Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.2(4) pp.059 – 069 December 2012
Available online http://www.globalresearchjournals.org/journal/?id=GRJMS
Copyright ©2012 Global Research Journals
Case Study.
The financial impact of cigarette smoke-free workplaces and public spaces project in the city of Yaoundé: analyses of compliance and financial effects across different venues
Z. Njoumemi¹²* and JB. Moumben²
¹Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé I,
²HEREG Stop Tobacco Unit, Health Economic Research and Evaluation Group, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
* Correspondence to: Zakariaou Njoumemi, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, P.O. Box 1364 Yaoundé; njoumemiz@hotmail.com
Abstract
Objectives: To evaluate the compliance with cigarette smoke-free regulation and to determine the financial effects on revenues of recreational and hospitality venues and public transport vehicles in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Methods: Two cross-sectional before and after surveys were conducted in 458 workplaces and public spaces of Yaoundé. Statistic analysis examined frequencies and two-way tables with measures of association using Pearson chi2 and Fisher’s exact tests. Student paired t-test was used for comparing the mean before and after the project implementation.
Results: The compliance with cigarette smoke-free regulation was associated with no cigarette-smoking signage in many locations. The number of smoker’s clients decreased while the number of non-smoker’s clients increased significantly thereby cross-compensating and improving the overall volume of frequentation. The mean actual monthly revenues were significantly increased and the financial effects were positive for the majority of recreational, hospitality and public transport industries.
Conclusion: The compliance with cigarette smoke-free regulation was likely associated with no cigarette signage, but it alienated the smoker’s clients and attracted non-smoker’s clients. The overall volume of frequentation improved thereby increasing the actual monthly revenues. The findings of this paper diluted the economic concerns regarding the financial consequences of complying with cigarette smoke-free regulation in African cities.
Key words: Cigarette smoke-free policies, compliance, financial effects, workplaces and public spaces, Yaoundé, Cameroon.