ABC News "Nightline" Smokers Poll, June 1997

This special topic poll sought respondents' views on smoking. Respondents were asked for their opinions on whether prevention measures had gone too far or whether the government should take further actions to limit the use of cigarettes and other tobacco products, such as regulating nicotine amounts in cigarettes, limiting smoking to one's home, and passing legislation that would make the act of purchasing cigarettes illegal. Those queried were asked how well they understood the dangers associated with tobacco use, and who they felt should bear the financial responsibility for smoking-related health problems. Respondents who identified themselves as smokers were asked to describe difficulties they experienced while trying to quit smoking, whether they had attempted to or intended to stop smoking, and how smokers had been affected by current attitudes regarding smoking. The results of the poll were announced on the ABC television program "Nightline." Background information on respondents includes age, race, ethnicity, sex, and education.