Investigating successes and failures of tobacco control instruments

Reducing tobacco use is a challenging task and cannot be accomplished within a short period of time. Although a diverse range of tobacco control instruments have been put into place over the years, significant problems still remain. In this paper, we develop a high level framework for investigating success and failure of tobacco control instruments. The main contributions of this paper are as follows. First, we provide a brief literature review of the current status of tobacco control, including what instruments have been put into place, how much these instruments are helping, and what problems we still have. Second, we develop a high level framework for analysing tobacco control issues and the reasons for current problems. Third, we provide a conceptual model to illustrate the process of developing new tobacco control measures, using smoke-free places as an example. Finally, the future directions for this project are outlined. This paper has the potential to support decision-making, decision- refinement, ongoing management of government activities, and tobacco control.