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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Ellen J. Hahn, DNS, RN, Mary Kay Rayens, PhD, and Chizimuzo T.C. Okoli, MSN, RN. College of Nursing, University of Kentucky, 760 Rose Street, Lexington, KY 40536-0232
Workplace tobacco prevention and cessation policies were assessed in 437 manufacturing facilities in Kentucky by (a) describing the number and type of policies and resources provided; and (b) exploring the factors associated with tobacco policies and practices in manufacturing facilities. Local health department staff partnered with university faculty and students to conduct a telephone survey of human resource managers. The interview provided an opportunity for local health department staff to establish relationships and provide future consultation. Nearly seven of 10 manufacturing facilities (69%) reported having a written smoking policy, but only 43% banned indoor smoking. About one-fourth of companies helped employees quit smoking by reimbursing health care cost for cessation treatment, and/or providing resources for smoking cessation or tobacco use prevention. Companies with unions were five and a half times more likely than those without unions to provide cessation resources to employees. Large companies were more than two and a half times more likely than small companies to have a written smoking policy and more than four times more likely to allow cigarette sales on company property. Of companies that allowed smoking during working hours, companies in rural areas were more restrictive of when they allowed employees to smoke than urban manufacturers. Despite the importance of smoke-free policies in the workplace, little is known about workplace smoking policies in states like Kentucky that have weak indoor air laws. This study provides a blueprint for assessing workplace tobacco policies using a community-academic partnership.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Tobacco Policy, Worksite
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.