Relapse Behaviors, Quit/Premature Discharge, and State Tobacco-Free Policy: Women in Low Socioeconomic Status

Background:

While the state smoke-free policy has been implemented in NJ for certain public places, the effectiveness of tobacco addiction treatment may differ depending on the enforcement of the smoke-free policy at the treatment agencies. Tobacco addiction among women in low socioeconomic status is still a serious issue.

Objectives:

The objectives of this project are to evaluate relapse episodes of tobacco addiction under the smoke-free/non-free policy programs and behaviors of low socioeconomic status women who are enrolled in different treatment agencies to completion of tobacco addiction treatment.

Method:

The NJ Drug/Alcohol Abuse Treatment study, conducted by the Division of Addiction Services, NJ Department of Health and Senior Services from Oct/02-Feb/04 includes questions about substance abuse behavior; treatment types, healthcare finance coverage, smoke-free policy, and client goal achievement. The study designs to apply the PRECEDE-PROCEED model and to identify behavioral characteristics by evaluating individual health outcomes of tobacco dependency treatment in community-based settings.

Results:

The tobacco additive behaviors among low socioeconomic status women who are enrolled under the smoke-free/non-free policy programs show less relapse behaviors. Access to treatment facilities and availability of resources are strongly related to positive effect of smoke-free policies. Knowledge and educational attainment are strongly associated with client attitude, values, beliefs, and perceptions.

Conclusion:

The treatment for tobacco addiction is not taken seriously relative to other substance abuse in community settings. The unanticipated consequences of smoke-free policies at treatment centers require in-depth investigation that will specifically target women in low socioeconomic status to prevent their relapse.