A systematic examination of smoke-free policies in multiunit dwellings in Virginia as reported by property managers: implications for prevention.
Am J Health Promot
; 26(1): 37-44, 2011.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-21879941
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE:
In most states, smoking has been curtailed to some extent in public buildings, workplaces, and restaurants. The next frontier for smoke-free policies is the multiunit dwelling industry. However, the extent to which smoke-free housing currently is available is unknown. The purpose of this study was to measure the market for smoke-free housing in Virginia and to identify barriers to adopting smoke-free policies.DESIGN:
Telephone interviews were conducted with property managers of rental apartments, townhouses, senior housing, and public housing in four Virginia cities.SETTING:
Four cities in Virginia.SUBJECTS:
Two hundred sixty-three property managers in four cities in Virginia (approximately 75 property managers per city).MEASURES:
Property managers were administered a brief telephone survey.RESULTS:
Only 33.8% of property managers reported some type of smoke-free policy, with only 15% of those policies prohibiting smoking in residential units. Most property managers without a smoke-free policy were not considering adopting such a policy for a variety of reasons.CONCLUSION:
The availability of smoke-free multiunit dwellings is severely lacking. This study identified a number of science-based and legal misperceptions that may prevent the adoption of smoke-free policies. Correction of these misperceptions is warranted to increase the availability of smoke-free housing. Such policies will be useful in creating environments that support good health practices while simultaneously protecting tenants from exposure to secondhand smoke.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Public Housing
/
Tobacco Smoke Pollution
/
Smoking Cessation
/
Smoking Prevention
/
Health Policy
Type of study:
Observational_studies
/
Prevalence_studies
/
Qualitative_research
/
Risk_factors_studies
Limits:
Humans
Country/Region as subject:
America do norte
Language:
En
Journal:
Am J Health Promot
Journal subject:
SAUDE PUBLICA
Year:
2011
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country: