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Planning the Location of Stop Smoking Services at the Local Level: A Geographic Analysis

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 February 2012

Melanie N. Tomintz*
Affiliation:
Carinthia University of Applied Sciences, Austria. melanie.tomintz@gmail.com
Graham P. Clarke
Affiliation:
University of Leeds, United Kingdom.
Janette E. Rigby
Affiliation:
National University of Ireland Maynooth, Ireland.
*
*Address for correspondence: Melanie N. Tomintz, Department of Geoinformation, Carinthia University of Applied Sciences, Europastrasse 4, 9524 Villach, Austria.

Abstract

Smoking is one of the major causes of premature death and its negative effects on a person's health are a global issue. Therefore, the United Kingdom has introduced new policies aimed at reducing the proportion of smokers from 26% in 2005 down to 21% by 2010. One mechanism to meet this policy target is the provision of stop smoking services. This article aims to estimate the Leeds smoking population at the small area level and especially to highlight the distribution of hard-to-reach groups such as heavy smokers (> 20 cigarettes/day) and pregnant women who smoke. Then optimal location strategies are discussed in relation to stop smoking services. The findings show the importance of adding a spatial component to find out where the smoking population or specific subgroups of smokers are to support policymakers or healthcare planners who are responsible for the planning process of the services.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2009

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