Tobacco use and smoking policy perceptions onboard an aircraft carrier.

Prior to implementing a shipwide no-smoking policy, the crew of U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) participated in a voluntary survey on tobacco-related matters. The survey queried participants on their tobacco-use history, subjective exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), and attitudes related to smoking policy prior to the cessation of all smoking activities aboard ship. Of the 2,221 crewmembers who participated (74% response rate), 36% classified themselves as current cigarette smokers. Nonsmokers estimated their general exposure to ETS between "low" to "moderate." Of all participants, 57% were in favor of the current restricted smoking policy, including 18% of currently smoking personnel. Follow-up research is being conducted to assess the long-term impact of the no-smoking policy on changes in attitudes regarding policy, tobacco-use rates, and ETS exposure.