262608 San Francisco smoke-free outdoor event policy

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Nicole Mazzetti , Tobacco Free Project, Breathe California, Daly City, CA
Amanda Paez, BS , Tobacco Free Project, Breathe California, Daly City, CA
Introduction:

This public opinion survey was designed to gauge the public's perception of a citywide smoke-free policy for street events in San Francisco, as well as the prevalence of secondhand smoke in street events.

Hypothesis:

Project Advocates predicted positive feedback from the public regarding the implementation of a smoke-free street event policy due to the fact that the majority of San Francisco residents are self-reported non-smokers.

Methods:

We collected 596 public opinion surveys at seven outdoor events throughout San Francisco from August to October 2011. Events were chosen because they occurred during the data collection period, they were open to the public, did not require an entrance fee, and were in diverse areas of San Francisco. The survey was translated in Chinese, since two events surveyed had a large Chinese-speaking population. Non-smokers and smokers alike were welcomed to complete the survey. Bias against smokers was reduced by randomly surveying any event participant.

Results:

Based on our research and preliminary analysis of the 596 public opinion surveys, we found that 67% favored making all street events in San Francisco smoke-free, and 58.9% had been inconvenienced by secondhand smoke at street events. Additionally, we found that 86% of survey participants did not smoke. Some bias in the survey may have resulted in an underrepresentation of families due to the fact that adults with children were not approached.

Conclusion:

This public opinion survey is important for passing a citywide policy to make street events free from second-hand smoke in San Francisco.

Learning Areas:
Advocacy for health and health education
Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Public health or related education
Public health or related organizational policy, standards, or other guidelines
Public health or related public policy

Learning Objectives:
1. List three reasons why second-hand smoke is harmful. 2. Articulate how to create a smoke free policy. 3. Describe five positives to having an outdoor smoke free event.

Keywords: Tobacco Policy, Advocacy

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: My qualifications include the following: Masters in Public Health candidate from the University of San Francisco, recently graduated with a B.S. in Health Education from San Francisco State University, have been employed at San Francisco General Hospital and Breathe California in research-oriented positions.
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.

Back to: 4162.0: Tobacco Control Policies