Content analysis of media coverage on smoke-free policy implementation in ten low- and middle-income countries.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) face a disproportionate exposure and disease burden from secondhand smoke (SHS). Creating completely smoke-free indoor public places is effective in protecting people from SHS. This study examines how online news outlets in LMICs discuss existing smoke-free policies and their implementation.

Methods

In September 2023, we used Tobacco Watcher (www.tobaccowatcher.org), a tobacco news surveillance platform, to identify articles using the built-in topic 'Air' (i.e. smoke-free policy) and search terms 'implementation' or 'compliance' in 10 LMICs from 2022 to 2023. Two trained coders independently assessed all articles for their relevance (either substantially discussing in multiple paragraphs or holding a clear position on smo

SUBMITTER: Xing E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12648208 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature