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Eva Matthews, MPH1, Heide Castaņeda, MA, MPH2, Jean X. Campbell, BA1, Maribel Tobar, MS1, and Myra Muramoto, MD, MPH3. (1) College of Public Health, University of Arizona, 1450 N. Cherry Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85719, (2) College of Public Health & Department of Anthropology, University of Arizona, 1450 N. Cherry Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85719, 520-887-2228, hcastane@email.arizona.edu, (3) College of Public Health & College of Medicine, University of Arizona, 1450 N. Cherry Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85719
Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) has been linked with numerous adverse health outcomes and is a significant public health concern. National guidelines recommend that comprehensive tobacco control programs utilize community-based efforts having an ETS focus. Presented here are strategies employed by eight community programs to reduce ETS exposure, challenges encountered in planning and implementation, and subsequent recommendations. Semi-structured, qualitative interviews were conducted with representatives from community-based tobacco control programs serving American Indian and Latino communities in Arizona and California. Results demonstrate similarities in approaches across states for addressing ETS, with communities using formal policy and/or ordinance development as well less formal community action. Among programs serving American Indian communities and Latino communities, common challenges included competing community priorities and inconsistent guidance in obtaining and/or creating appropriate models for local ETS policy. Unique challenges faced by programs serving American Indian communities included: jurisdictional limitations of state ETS laws, lack of state recognition of distinct differences between ceremonial tobacco use and commercial tobacco abuse in policy development; and matters related to tribal government review and approval processes. Across programs, participants highlighted the need to involve community members in creating ETS policies and to garner support from community leaders prior to policy development. Emphasis was also placed on allowing sufficient time for ETS policy to be developed and implemented. Findings suggest that community-based programs may benefit from engaging community members and leaders in all phases of ETS policy development and implementation, and allowing flexibility to accommodate unique needs of communities.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Smoking, Environmental Exposures
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.