Perceptions of Secondhand Smoke Exposure in the Absence of a Comprehensive Smoking Ban: Findings from Focus Groups of Young Adults in New Orleans

Background: The Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living aims to expand local smoke-free policies to prohibit smoking in bars and casinos. Previous research has shown that variations in smoking initiation exist by race and gender. While other studies have explored attitudes regarding secondhand smoke and smoke-free policies, findings from this study will increase understanding of how risk perceptions may be influenced by participation in public health research, and how perceptions differ by race and gender.

Methods: A subset of young adults that participated in The Louisiana Public Health Institute (LPHI) Play it SAFE (Smoke-free Air For Everybody) Study participated in focus groups. A semi-structured interview guide was used to elicit open-ended responses. Key topics of investigation included: leisure time behaviors, perceptions and knowledge of risk of exposure to secondhand smoke, and perceptions and knowledge of smoke-free policies and environments. Groups were stratified by race and gender to examine variation in responses. 

Discussion: A preliminary analysis suggests that the young adults increased their knowledge of the effects of secondhand smoke by participating in the Play It SAFE Study. Analyzing perceptions by race and gender allowed for a more in-depth understanding of the participants’ decision making about leisure activities involving secondhand smoke exposure. Moreover, this research highlights the utility of engaging young adults in public health research as a method for influencing knowledge and perceptions.