ATTITUDES & BEHAVIORS TOWARDS SMOKING POLICIES OF THE ELDERLY LIVING IN LOWINCOME MULTI-UNIT HOUSING

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Objective. This study was conducted to understand smoking practices, exposure to second-hand smoke and support for smoke-free multi-unit housing (SFMUH) policies in public housing and low-income senior properties. Background. Involuntarily, residents of multi-unit housing complexes may be exposed to higher levels of secondhand smoke due to building factors. Implementing smoke-free housing policies may be effective in reducing second-hand smoke exposure; thereby improving health related mortality and morbidity. Methods. Seniors living in 16 large ( > 50 units) low-income apartment complexes in Broward and Miami-Dade counties, Florida were surveyed between March 2013 and September 2013. Results. Smoking prevalence among senior, low-income residents is lower than the county smoking rate (9% vs. 14%). More than 30% of residents reported SHS in their unit. Overall, the majority of residents support no-smoking policies: 75.2% support no-smoking policies for individual units; 76.8% support no-smoking policies in common areas (such as hallways, laundry room, lobbies) and 67.9% support no-smoking policies in outdoor areas such as courtyards. Conclusion. Overall, 76% of residents support indoor SFMUH policies (79% common areas, 71% outdoor policies.) Results suggest overwhelming support for SFMUH policies, among both smokers and non-smokers. Survey results contributed to 15 properties adopting smoke-free policies as of October 1, 2013. At least 15 smokers in these properties are currently attending smoking cessation programming. Follow-up surveys will take place beginning summer 2014. Grants. Made possible with funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention through funding Grant Award #: U58DP003661.