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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Vickie D. Krenz, PhD, MSPH¹, Martha Zarate, BS², and Eric Krenz, PhD¹. (1) Health Science, California State University, Fresno, 2345 E. San Ramon, Fresno, CA 93720, 559-278-2684, vickik@csufresno.edu, (2) Rural Tobacco Prevention Program, Fresno County Economic Opportunities Commission, 1900 Mariposa Mall, Fresno, CA 93721

Tobacco related chronic health conditions continue to be a major concern. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among Hispanics/Latinos, many of whom will die from exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS). Furthermore, asthma is a leading health concern for young children and families. The goal of the Rural Tobacco Education Program was to reduce the impact of tobacco use through the adoption of smoke-free policies in rural multi-unit and/or public housing complexes. This project utilized case study and quasi-experimental designs to measure the expected outcomes leading to the implementation of smoke-free policies in multi-unit and/or public housing complexes. Presentations were made to multi-unit and public housing complexes owners, managers, staff, and residents on the benefits of smoke-free units, buildings, and common areas. In addition, “Noche de Cine” (“Family Night at the Movies”) was implemented with residents, including the use of free anti-tobacco commercials, anti-tobacco materials, promotional items and small incentives, such as popcorn and drinks. Key informant interviews (n=7) and convenience surveys of residents (n=330) indicated strong support for smoke-free multi-unit and/or public housing complexes. Of those who responded, 274 (83.5%) indicated that they would support a policy for smoke-free housing. Those who supported the smoke-free policies were more likely to be older adults (p=.001), were non-smokers (p=.0001), were more likely to consider SHS a cause of illness (p=.0001) and a cause of illness in children (p=.0001). Eleven multi-unit and public housing complexes adopted smoke-free housing policies and 15 adopted policies for smoke-free common outdoor areas.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Describe the successful strategies for implementing smoke-free policies in multi-unit and/or public housing complexes.
• Identify the barriers to implementing smoke-free policies in multi-unit and/or public housing complexes.
• Discuss rural migrant families attitudes toward smoke-free multi-unit and/or public housing complexes.

Keywords: Tobacco Policy, Latinos

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered