A qualitative assessment of the smoking policies and cessation activities at smaller workplaces

Christine M Kava; Edith A Parker; Barbara Baquero; Susan J Curry; Paul A Gilbert; Michael Sauder; Daniel K Sewell

doi:10.1186/s12889-018-6001-9

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A qualitative assessment of the smoking policies and cessation activities at smaller workplaces

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

A qualitative assessment of the smoking policies and cessation activities at smaller workplaces

Christine M Kava, Edith A Parker, Barbara Baquero, Susan J Curry, Paul A Gilbert, Michael Sauder and Daniel K Sewell

BMC public health, Vol.18(1), 1094

09/05/2018

DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-6001-9

PMCID: PMC6125884

PMID: 30185177

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Abstract

Background To reduce the negative consequences of smoking, workplaces have adopted and implemented anti-smoking initiatives. Compared to large workplaces, less research exists about these initiatives at smaller workplaces, which are more likely to hire low-wage workers with higher rates of smoking. The purpose of this study was to describe and compare the smoking policies and smoking cessation activities at small (20–99 employees) and very small (< 20 employees) workplaces. Methods Thirty-two key informants coming from small and very small workplaces in Iowa completed qualitative telephone interviews. Data collection occurred between October 2016 and February 2017. Participants gave descriptions of the anti-smoking initiatives at their workplace. Additional interview topics included questions on enforcement, reasons for adoption, and barriers and facilitators to adoption and implementation. The data were analyzed using counts and content and thematic analysis. Results Workplace smoking policies were nearly universal (n = 31, 97%), and most workplaces (n = 21, 66%) offered activities to help employees quit smoking. Reasons for adoption included the Iowa Smokefree Air Act, to improve employee health, and organizational benefits (e.g., reduced insurance costs). Few challenges existed to adoption and implementation. Commonly cited facilitators included the Iowa Smokefree Air Act, no issues with compliance, and support from others. Compared to small workplaces, very small workplaces offered cessation activities less often and had fewer tobacco policy restrictions. Conclusions This study showed well-established tobacco control efforts in small workplaces, but very small workplaces lagged behind. To reduce potential health disparities in smoking, future research and intervention efforts in tobacco control should focus on very small workplaces.

Tobacco control

Small workplaces

Qualitative

Cessation

Smoke-free policy

Smoking

Details

Title: Subtitle: A qualitative assessment of the smoking policies and cessation activities at smaller workplaces
Creators: Christine M Kava - Box 354804, 1107 NE 45th St., Suite 200, Seattle, WA 98105 USA
Edith A Parker - 145 N. Riverside Dr., Iowa City, IA 52242 USA
Barbara Baquero - 145 N. Riverside Dr., Iowa City, IA 52242 USA
Susan J Curry - 145 N. Riverside Dr., Iowa City, IA 52242 USA
Paul A Gilbert - 145 N. Riverside Dr., Iowa City, IA 52242 USA
Michael Sauder - 140 Seashore Hall, Iowa City, IA 52242 USA
Daniel K Sewell - 145 N. Riverside Dr., Iowa City, IA 52242 USA
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: BMC public health, Vol.18(1), 1094
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-6001-9
PMID: 30185177
PMCID: PMC6125884
NLM abbreviation: BMC Public Health
ISSN: 1471-2458
eISSN: 1471-2458
Publisher: BioMed Central; London
Grant note: ; 1 U48 DP005021-01 / ;
Language: English
Date published: 09/05/2018
Academic Unit: Public Health Administration; Sociology and Criminology; Health Management and Policy; Biostatistics; Injury Prevention Research Center; Public Policy Center (Archive); Community and Behavioral Health
Record Identifier: 9983997365802771

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