Factors Influencing the Mobilization of Inner-City African American Parents to Address the Harms of Secondhand Smoke Exposure

Background: Children's secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure varies significantly in relation to socioeconomic status and ethnicity. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001-2002 reports serum continine levels were highest among inner-city African American children under age 11. However, little is known about how to mobilize inner-city African American parent communities to address the harms of SHS exposure among young children. Objective: To identify the challenges and assets associated with mobilizing inner-city African American parents to address the harms due to secondhand smoke. Methods: Parent advisory board members on a community-based SHS reduction project participated in thirteen, 1-2 hour, audiotaped group interviews (3-7 participants each). Meetings were held in partnership with a partially subsidized child development center. Data were analyzed through an integrated framework using the PRECEED/PROCEDE and Social Ecological Models. Audio tapes and field notes were reviewed for recurring themes. Results: Parents perceived that stress, limited coping skills, and alcohol use limited the mobilization of parents. Other barriers included limited knowledge of the harms of SHS exposure. Useful intrapersonal assets included a cultural tradition of problem solving, creativity, and grit and determination. Community-level barriers included lack of access to education on harms of SHS exposure, neighborhood disorder, limited access housing/jobs, access to cheap cigarettes, and pro smoking norms. Conclusions: These findings suggest that neighborhood, cultural, and individual level factors be considered in the development of interventions addressing harms of SHS exposure among young children of inner-city parents.