Second-hand smoke exposure and mitigation strategies among home visitation workers

Abstract

Objectives: Protection of workers from second-hand smoke (SHS) in occupational settings is an important policy priority, yet little attention has been given to SHS protection for home visitation health workers, who number almost 2 million in the USA. Self-reported SHS exposure, SHS mitigation strategies and suggestions for further SHS exposure reduction approaches were obtained from home visitation health workers in Massachusetts.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among Massachusetts Early Intervention workers (N=316) at their state-wide conference in April 2010.

Results: Eighty-three per cent of respondents reported at least 1 hour per month of SHS exposure, and 16% reported at least 11 hours per month. Nevertheless, only 22% of workers counselled clients on maintaining a smoke-free home. Fewer than 30% of workers had ever voiced concerns to their employing agency, and just 12% had raised their concerns directly with clients. Only 14% stated that their agency had rules designed to protect workers from SHS.

Conclusions: SHS exposure occurs frequently among home visitation health workers. The data point to a substantial population who are not protected from SHS exposure by formal policies.

Keywords: Second-hand smoke; addiction; cessation; disparities; environmental tobacco smoke; exposure; harm reduction; home; priority/special populations; public policy; self-report; smoking topography; smoking-caused disease; socioeconomic status; surveillance and monitoring; tobacco industry; tobacco products; workplace.

Figure 1

Expressed Concern About SHS by Exposure Level