A synergistic approach to target workplace smoking – the Singapore experience
Yen Theng See, Business Development Manager/Pharmacist, National Healthcare Group Pharmacy, Singapore and Jiun Yih Chong, Pharmacist, National Healthcare Group Pharmacy, Singapore

Abstract

Introduction:
Everyday, 7 people die from smoking in Singapore. Smoking continues to be the leading cause of death from cancers, heart diseases, and respiratory diseases in Singapore. Besides health impact, smoking costs the nation an annual $839 million in direct healthcare costs.

With the strong efforts to promote a smoke-free Singapore, there is an overall decrease in smoking prevalence from 20% (1984) to 12.6% (2004) which is among the lowest in the world.

Targeting workplace smoking is one of the key strategies employed. Smoking is a financial burden shared by employers through lost productivity, increased healthcare and insurance costs.

Programme Outline:
The Health Promotion Board (HPB) supports employers in creating smoke-free work environment through structured workplace initiatives. During the National Smoking Control Programme in May 2007, HPB lined up a series of roadshows at workplaces to increase public awareness. The Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore (PSS) garnered the support of pharmacists from hospital and community sectors and coordinated these outreach activities. Trained pharmacists delivered smoking awareness talks and conducted personalised quit smoking consultations to the employees. Marketing and counselling resources were provided by HPB.

Results:
A total of 101 workplaces were reached during the
1-month programme. Follow up consultations were conducted for smokers in the contemplation and action phases. There was a two-fold increase in workplaces response over previous years during campaign period.

Conclusion:
This successful tripartite collaboration between pharmacists, health agency and employers has been shown to be effective in raising awareness of the multiple benefits of smoke-free workplaces.