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Tobacco-Related Disparities in Specific Populations
Research
Effects of adopting a smokefree policy in state psychiatric hospitals
A new study has found that implementing smokefree policies in state psychiatric hospitals resulted in a reduction in negative events related to smoking, producing a generally positive change. Researchers surveyed hospitals about their smoking policies in 2006 and again in 2008, comparing outcomes in 28 hospitals that went partially or fully smokefree in that timeframe and 42 that did not. They found that among hospitals that went smokefree, three types of tobacco-related adverse events declined: tobacco use as a precursor to events leading to patient seclusion or restraint; smoking-related health conditions; and coercion or threats among patients and staff. Despite the changes in smokefree policies, there was no significant difference in the number of hospitals that offered nicotine replacement therapy or provided specialty training to clinical staff related to tobacco use. Increases in fires and elopements are common concerns about implementing smokefree policies in psychiatric hospitals, but these events were not shown to increase in hospitals with smokefree policies. Read the abstract of the study, published in Psychiatric Services, here.
Smoking behavior among low-income black adults: Patterns and correlates of smoking trajectories
A recent study examined smoking frequency and risk factors associated with smoking among blacks who are light smokers. Over the course of a year, researchers completed a series of four interviews with 947 low-income black adults enrolled in a sexual risk reduction intervention to assess cigarette use and several correlates of tobacco use. Using group-based trajectory modeling, they identified six distinct smoking trajectories: none/rare smokers, decreasing light smokers, increasing light smokers, lower light smokers, upper light smokers, and moderate smokers. Alcohol use, prior treatment for substance abuse, marijuana use, and other illegal drug use were found to predict smoking trajectory, but substance use patterns varied by trajectory. The smoking patterns were heterogeneous, and each pattern was associated with certain risk factors. The results indicate that prevention and cessation efforts targeted towards this population should address the needs of the particular smoking trajectory shown. Click here to read the abstract of the article, which was published online in Nicotine & Tobacco Research.
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Reports
Wash U breaks down Missouri's smoking demographic, pushes for policy change (MO)
According to national data, the smoking prevalence in Missouri is among the highest in the country at 23%. A recent study by Washington University reports on smoking rates in certain population subgroups. Using statewide data from the 2007 Missouri County-Level Study of Adult Tobacco Use and Related Chronic Conditions and Practices, the researchers examined rates of tobacco use, secondhand smoke exposure and smoking cessation by race/ethnicity, rural-urban status, education, income, health insurance coverage, and sexual orientation. Populations with the highest rates of smoking in the state included people with lower income and education levels, as well as minority, gay and bisexual populations. The report concludes with recommendations for the state to implement comprehensive tobacco control policies such as smokefree laws and excise taxes. Click here to read more, or click here to download a copy of the report.
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