258695 Richmond, California, a pioneer in smokefree multi-unit housing: Results from a qualitative study

Tuesday, October 30, 2012 : 2:50 PM - 3:10 PM

Valerie B. Yerger, ND , Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
Robynn Battle, EdD , Prevention Research Center, Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, Berkeley, CA
Julie Waters, BA , Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
Roland Moore, PhD , Prevention Research Center, Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, Berkeley, CA
Richmond, California is one of the first communities in the country to enact simultaneously a comprehensive package of tobacco control laws. These laws include a novel approach to reduce secondhand smoke exposure by making it illegal to smoke tobacco products in multi-unit housing (MUH). Project objectives are to 1) study what key stakeholders know about the development and enforcement of Richmond's smokefree MUH ordinance, 2) identify potential barriers to its full implementation, and as a result of these efforts, 3) create forums and materials to improve adherence to the ordinance. We conducted focus groups and one-on-one interviews with community stakeholders such as residents, landlords, city officials, law enforcement, and local public health advocates. Data analyses highlight the importance of nonconfrontational educational sessions, working with building managers to display the required signage and identification of the designated smoking areas, and the need for smoking cessation assistance. Questions of enforceability and definitional refinements regarding tobacco and marijuana smoke appear to be central concerns for enforcement and judicial personnel, as well as for many residents. Given that smokefree policies in MUH represent a new area of interest in tobacco control, it is important to understand how stakeholders adopt and carry out these policies. The goal of this project is to ensure that Richmond's ordinance is implemented equitably across its socially and economically diverse neighborhoods. Additionally, results from our study could inform other diverse urban cities on how they can smoothly adopt and implement similar policies.

Learning Areas:
Chronic disease management and prevention
Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practice
Diversity and culture
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Public health or related public policy
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
Discuss potential barriers to developing policy and implementing that policy equitably in a diverse urban community. Explain challenges and opportunities of cutting edge tobacco control issues surrounding communities with diverse populations and how to overcome enforcement hurdles.

Keywords: Tobacco Policy, Urban Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am the principal investigator of a CA State funded grant (Tobacco-Related Disease Research Program) focusing on a city-wide smokefree multi-unit housing ordinance implemented in a diversity-rich urban community. My prior tobacco-related research has been community-centered, including a community-based participatory research project on tobacco cessation and focus group studies involving African American and low-income smokers.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.