A rural tobacco smoke pollution study

This study's purpose was to determine whether the location of hospitality venues, in terms of rurality, presence of local ordinances, and socioeconomic status, influenced tobacco smoke pollution levels in a predominantly rural state. It was the first U.S. statewide study on tobacco smoke pollution levels in hospitality venues; it addressed a global literature gap of quantifying rural indoor tobacco smoke pollution; and it used random selection, a sampling method infrequently used in studying indoor tobacco pollution. Methods: A stratified random sample of restaurant and bars were assessed for the indoor air quality indicator of PM_2.5. Additional observations occurred. Results: 1) a partial mediation model, Sobel p<.001; 2) a significant association between rurality and tobacco smoke pollution in bars, p<.001 ; 3) a significant interaction of local smoke-free laws, venue types and tobacco smoke pollution, p<.001; and 4) a significant association of compliance with smoke-free laws by venue location(p<.01)and co-location status (p<.01). Conclusions: Smoke-free laws had an indirect and direct impact on tobacco smoke pollution. As rurality increased pollution in bars significantly increased. The presence of local ordinances significantly decreased pollution levels in bars and increased compliance. Compliance decreased significantly co-located venues. Disparities of exposure to tobacco smoke pollution in rural areas exist. Future studies needed include replication studies of the mediation model and the interaction effect and rural tobacco smoke exposure studies and impact of policy. Further development of influences of poverty on tobacco smoke pollution levels in hospitality venues is recommended.