National and State-Specific Attitudes toward Smoke-Free Parks among US Adults

• Authors: Judy Kruger, Emory University; Amal Jama, DB Consulting Group; Michelle Kegler, Emory University; Kristy Marynak, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Brian King, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Journal Title: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
• Volume: Volume 13, Number 9
• Publisher: MDPI | 2016-09-01
• Type of Work: Article | Final Publisher PDF
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph13090864
• Subjects: Environmental Sciences; Health Sciences, Public Health
• Keywords: Science & Technology; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; Environmental Sciences; Environmental Sciences & Ecology; parks; smoke-free; secondhand smoke; state; national; attitudes; TOBACCO-SMOKE; UNITED-STATES; BEHAVIORAL IMPACT; FREE POLICIES; EXPOSURE; BEACHES; PERCEPTIONS

Abstract

Outdoor places, such as parks, remain a source of secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure. We assessed attitudes toward smoke-free parks among U.S. adults. Data came from the 2009–2010 National Adult Tobacco Survey, a landline and cellular telephone survey of noninstitutionalized adults aged ≥18 in the 50 U.S. states and D.C. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to assess the prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of attitudes toward smoke-free parks, overall and by current tobacco use. Overall, 38.5% of adults reported favorable attitudes toward complete smoke-free parks; prevalence ranged from 29.2% in Kentucky to 48.2% in Maine. Prevalence of favorable attitudes toward smoke-free parks was higher among nonusers of tobacco (44.6%) and noncombustible-only users (30.0%) than any combustible users (21.3%). The adjusted odds of having a favorable attitude were higher among: women; Hispanics and Black non-Hispanics, American Indian and Alaska Native non-Hispanics, and other non-Hispanics; those with an unspecified sexual orientation; and those with children aged ≤17 in the household, relative to each characteristics respective referent group. Odds were lower among: any combustible tobacco and noncombustible-only tobacco users; adults aged 45–64; and those with some college or an undergraduate degree. Opportunities exist to educate the public about the benefits of smoke-free outdoor environments.