SMOKEFREE MULTI-UNIT HOUSING POLICY IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MARYLAND: INTEGRATING INPUT FROM RESIDENTS AND MANAGERS TO ADVANCE CLEAN AIR FOR ALL

secondhand smoke;policy;multi-unit housing;implementation;high risk populations;qualitative research.;Public Health Studies

Vollinger, Robert EdwardLocke, Paul A. ;

Johns Hopkins University

关键词: secondhand smoke;    policy;    multi-unit housing;    implementation;    high risk populations;    qualitative research.;    Public Health Studies;   

Others  :  https://jscholarship.library.jhu.edu/bitstream/handle/1774.2/60098/VOLLINGER-DISSERTATION-2018.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y

瑞士|英语

来源: JOHNS HOPKINS DSpace Repository

【 摘 要 】

AbstractObjective: To assess attitudes and beliefs of residents and managers of multi-unit housing (MUH) regarding developing and implementing policy to reduce secondhand smoke (SHS) in MUH in Montgomery County, Maryland.Design: Semi-structured interviews with managers of multi-unit housing and focus group discussions with residents.Setting: Montgomery County, Maryland.Participants: Residents and managers of MUH in Montgomery County (MoCo).Phenomenon of Interest: Implementation of a policy to reduce SHS in MUH in MoCo.Analysis: The researchers transcribed and analyzed audio-recorded interviews and focus groups using thematic analysis.Results: Residents and managers of MUH in Montgomery County broadly agreed regarding the benefits of a comprehensive policy to restrict all smoking in MUH, and opinions expressed did not differ significantly based on residents’ smoking status. Participants emphasized carefully structured implementation of the policy to increase likelihood of success. Managers suggested requiring all leases to include language outlining the new policy and requiring all new and returning tenants to sign. They also suggested specifying a structure of fines for violations but advised against using the court system, which can be costly and time-consuming. Fair and consistent enforcement of the policy across the county and in all residential environments is crucial to success. Smokers asked that outdoor smoking areas be clearly marked and appealing to use. All urged that clear, simple language about the new policy be disseminated broadly, via multiple channels to all residents, and that an adequate phase-in time for the policy be included. Both smoking and nonsmoking residents and the managers emphasized the importance of building resident support and providing ample cessation services and support for residents and staff who wish to stop smoking.Conclusions and Implications: The ultimate audience for this research is policymakers in Montgomery County who are concerned about the health and well-being of their constituents and have a reputation for progressive policymaking. These policymakers work to be recognized as leaders with a progressive agenda in Maryland and around the United States. Because this policy could have broad impact for other state and local policymakers it is important that it be implemented well. Extensive research indicates that policymakers want local data from their own constituents on which to make important policy decisions. This research provides Montgomery County policymakers with important evidence from critical constituents that many of their constituents support such a policy. This research also offers useful suggestions to improve implementation of a comprehensive no smoking policy in MUH in Montgomery County, Maryland.