Attitudes to smoking on submarines: Results of a questionnaire study

Military Medicine,  Jul 2002  by Norris, William D

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A total of 74% (57) thought that a ban on smoking in submarines would be unfair, 12% (9) thought that a ban would be justifiable, 78% (60) thought that a ban would be uncalled for, 77% (59) thought that a ban would be illegal, and 6% (5) thought that a ban would be about time (Table II).

Nonsmokers

Seventy-three percent (118) thought that submarines should be nonsmoking, 3% (5) thought that allowing smoking in restricted areas only was unfair, and 51% (83) thought that allowing smoking in restricted areas protected the interests of nonsmokers.

In response to whether they objected to other people smoking in their company, 12% (20) answered no, 49% (79) answered sometimes, 20% (33) answered most of the time, and 20% (33) answered all of the time.

In response to whether they were concerned about passive smoking on board, 7% (11) answered not at all, 41% (66) answered a little, 24% (39) answered quite a bit, and 28% (45) answered a lot.

A total of 32% (61) thought that a ban on smoking in submarines would be unfair, 75% (122) thought that a ban would be justifiable, 25% (41) thought that a ban would be uncalled for, 31% (51) thought that a ban would be illegal, and 66% (107) thought that a ban would be about time (Table III).

Discussion

This study assessed the views of a unique population: male, between 18 and 45 years old, and meeting the stringent medical criteria for service aboard submarines. Inevitably, this makes comparison with other published data difficult. Nevertheless, the rate of smoking in this population of submariners is similar to that of the British population (31% vs. 29%).16

The views of smokers and nonsmokers as expressed on this questionnaire are diametrically opposed, and it is not surprising that smokers have a far lower concern for passive smoking or being in the company of other smokers. This is in contrast to the nonsmokers, who have a greater range of views in their concern over passive smoking and people smoking in their company. This may be indicative of submariners' tolerance of other crew members' personal preferences in this uniquely challenging environment. The nonsmoking group also included ex-smokers, who may be expected to have less strong views and concerns regarding passive smoking.

Although 79% of smokers stated that they felt smoking in restricted areas protected the interests of nonsmokers, this question may have been open to interpretation by nonsmokers. Individuals may feel that smoking in a separate area does protect their interests; however, others may feel that because the atmosphere is enclosed, any smoking is a threat to their health.

The overwhelming benefits of a cessation in smoking are widely accepted and acknowledged. 17 It is notable that only 741/16 of smokers felt that a ban on smoking would be unfair; this may indicate a recognition among smokers that passive smoking is deleterious to health, reflecting recent national health warning messages and counseling from medical officers during routine medical examinations.