Table 3 Survey respondents’ attitudes to the smoke-free policy – percentage agreement for non-smokers and smokers

I prefer to work in a smoke-free environment

88.1

94.6

38.5

χ² = 34.09; df = 2; P < 0.001

I had concerns or worries about working in totally smoke-free environment before commencing work in the hospital

18.9

15.0

38.5

χ² = 4.52; df = 2; P = 0.104

Mental health inpatients should not be forced to stop smoking

34.0

29.5

64.3

χ² = 13.13; df = 2; P = 0.001

Providing nicotine dependence treatment to patients is as important as other roles in the unit

80.0

83.5

57.1

χ² = 6.31; df = 2; P = 0.043

I am confident in my ability to provide advice and treatment to smokers to help them cope with not smoking

66.0

65.9

69.2

χ² = 1.37; df = 2; P = 0.504

Nicotine withdrawal is a significant issue for most patients in the hospital

57.0

58.2

57.1

χ² = 5.28; df = 2; P = 0.071