Pilot Study Results from a Brief Intervention to Create Smoke-Free Homes

Abstract

Very few community-based intervention studies have examined how to effectively increase the adoption of smoke-free homes. A pilot study was conducted to test the feasibility, acceptability, and short-term outcomes of a brief, four-component intervention for promoting smoke-free home policies among low-income households. We recruited forty participants (20 smokers and 20 nonsmokers) to receive the intervention at two-week intervals. The design was a pretest-posttest with follow-up at two weeks after intervention. The primary outcome measure was self-reported presence of a total home smoking ban. At follow-up, 78% of participants reported having tried to establish a smoke-free rule in their home, with significantly more nonsmokers attempting a smoke-free home than smokers (P = .03). These attempts led to increased smoking restrictions, that is, going from no ban to a partial or total ban, or from a partial to a total ban, in 43% of the homes. At follow-up, 33% of the participants reported having made their home totally smoke-free. Additionally, smokers reported smoking fewer cigarettes per day. Results suggest that the intervention is promising and warrants a rigorous efficacy trial.

Effects of a School-based Intervention Program on Attitude and Knowledge of Household Members Towards a Smoke-free Home: a Cluster Controlled Trial

“…This study adopted the intervention modules described by Kegler and Alwan (Alwan et al, 2011;Kegler et al, 2012). The conceptual model in Kegler's study is based on social cognitive theory and the Transtheoretical Model.…”

“…The primary outcome was assessed by asking the question: "In the past 7 days, did you see anybody smoke in your home" (Kegler et al, 2012). As the mother was considered more reliable, her answer was used if there was any discordance between the mother-child pair.…”

Minimal intervention delivered by 2-1-1 information and referral specialists promotes smoke-free homes among 2-1-1 callers: a Texas generalisation trial

“…[29][30][31][32] The programme's goal of home smoking bans was intended for smokers and non-smokers and was based on 90 interviews with low-income families in rural Georgia to understand household dynamics around creating smoking bans 33 34 and on a pilot study with 40 participants. 35 As described in previous reports, 32 35 the theoretical framework combined social cognitive theory and stages of change (transtheoretical model). Theory-based change methods 36 37 included persuasion, role modelling, goal setting, environmental cues and written and oral reinforcement of actions taken to create a smoke-free home.…”

“…The Smoke-Free Homes research agenda included the pilot study, 35 followed by three randomised trials. The vanguard trial conducted in Atlanta, Georgia, by Emory University researchers with United Way of Greater Atlanta 2-1-1 found a higher uptake of full bans 6 months postbaseline in the intervention group compared with the controls (OR=1.56).…”

Environmental tobacco smoke exposure among smokers and non-smokers receiving outpatient substance abuse treatment

“…The hazards of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS; i.e., smoke emanating from the cigarette and exhaled smoke) have been well documented (CDC, 2011; HHS, 2006; Kegler et al, 2012). While research has largely focused on ETS exposure in vulnerable and non-smoking populations (Florescu et al, 2007; Singh, Siahpush, & Kogan, 2010; Pirkle, Bernert, Caudill, 2006), no studies have examined ETS exposure and home and work smoking policies among individuals receiving treatment for substance use disorders (SUDs).…”