A leading figure in Shanghai's fight against smoking has insisted that a total ban will make a difference in people's health - despite research finding the problem has worsened in areas where restrictions are already in effect.

The city introduced a partial ban on March 1, 2010, and listed 16 types of public places that were required to implement smoking areas, mainly entertainment venues. It also states schools and maternity and children's hospitals must be smoke-free zones.

However, health inspections at Internet cafes, KTV bars and restaurants discovered the prevalence of smoking had actually risen - from 0.3 in 2011 to 0.4 in 2012.