Community Perceptions on Tobacco Use and Secondhand Smoke Exposure in Rural Georgia
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure negatively impact the health of individuals and are a major health concern for many.
METHODS: A listening session following CDC implementation guidelines was used to document residents’ views on tobacco use, secondhand smoke and policy aimed at reducing exposure in public places. Residents 18 years and older were invited to participate through flyers, emails, and social media. Supplemental information was collected using key informant interviews by phone call/zoom. Discussion guide collected data on 1) attitudes of participants toward tobacco use and secondhand smoke, 2) barriers, and enablers to smokefree policy implementation, and 3)strategies to implement smokefree policy. Recorded dialogue along with meeting notes were transcribed and assessed using a thematic analysis. Codes and themes were used to create word maps to displays findings.
RESULTS: We conducted 3 key informant interviews, and 15 stakeholders attended the listening session ranging from government, non-profit, faith-based organization, community members, and the department of public health. Regarding community perceptions of tobacco use, we identified three themes with overall community perception being negative. Community members expressed concern with health consequences and control measures being implemented. When discussing perceptions of barriers and enablers to smokefree policy implementation, we identified two themes with overall perceptions being negative. Community members discussed influential tobacco product marketing tactics and concerns regarding equity in enforcement of policy. Finally, regarding community members perceptions of strategies to implement smokefree policy, we identified two themes, with overall perceptions being positive. Community members discussed improving the delivery of health information and building trust within the community.
CONCLUSION: Listening session participants discussed general information regarding tobacco and secondhand smoke, community attitudes toward tobacco use and secondhand smoke, barriers and enablers of smokefree policy implementation, and strategies to implement smokefree policy in the community.
Keywords
Community Perceptions, Rural Health, Tobacco, Secondhand Smoke
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Community Perceptions on Tobacco Use and Secondhand Smoke Exposure in Rural Georgia
INTRODUCTION: Tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure negatively impact the health of individuals and are a major health concern for many.
METHODS: A listening session following CDC implementation guidelines was used to document residents’ views on tobacco use, secondhand smoke and policy aimed at reducing exposure in public places. Residents 18 years and older were invited to participate through flyers, emails, and social media. Supplemental information was collected using key informant interviews by phone call/zoom. Discussion guide collected data on 1) attitudes of participants toward tobacco use and secondhand smoke, 2) barriers, and enablers to smokefree policy implementation, and 3)strategies to implement smokefree policy. Recorded dialogue along with meeting notes were transcribed and assessed using a thematic analysis. Codes and themes were used to create word maps to displays findings.
RESULTS: We conducted 3 key informant interviews, and 15 stakeholders attended the listening session ranging from government, non-profit, faith-based organization, community members, and the department of public health. Regarding community perceptions of tobacco use, we identified three themes with overall community perception being negative. Community members expressed concern with health consequences and control measures being implemented. When discussing perceptions of barriers and enablers to smokefree policy implementation, we identified two themes with overall perceptions being negative. Community members discussed influential tobacco product marketing tactics and concerns regarding equity in enforcement of policy. Finally, regarding community members perceptions of strategies to implement smokefree policy, we identified two themes, with overall perceptions being positive. Community members discussed improving the delivery of health information and building trust within the community.
CONCLUSION: Listening session participants discussed general information regarding tobacco and secondhand smoke, community attitudes toward tobacco use and secondhand smoke, barriers and enablers of smokefree policy implementation, and strategies to implement smokefree policy in the community.
