Minimal intervention delivered by 2-1-1 information and referral specialists promotes smoke-free homes among 2-1-1 callers: a Texas generalisation trial

Replication of intervention research is reported infrequently, limiting what we know about external validity and generalisability. The Smoke Free Homes Program, a minimal intervention, increased home smoking bans by United Way 2-1-1 callers in randomised controlled trials in Atlanta, Georgia and North Carolina

Development of a scale assessing Beliefs About ThirdHand Smoke (BATHS)

Introduction Similarly to secondhand smoke (SHS), thirdhand smoke (THS) beliefs may be correlated with smoking behaviors and smokefree policies in the home. Thus, there is a need to develop and validate measures to assess beliefs about THS. Material and Methods A list of 19 items related to THS were generated by an expert panel and tested in a pilot study. Based on results from an exploratory factor analysis, two factors emerged: THS persistence in the environment and THS impact on health. The scale was reduced to nine items, which showed no differential item functioning by smoking status or smoking ban status in the home. The nine items and the two factor structure were tested in a validation sample from a smoke-free homes intervention that included THS educational materials. Results The 9-item scale showed excellent internal consistency. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated good model fit for the two factor solution in a low-income population. Tests of construct validity indicated differences due to exposure to the smoke-free homes intervention, by smoking status, whether participants own or rent their home, and smoking ban status in the home. Conclusions The BATHS scale offers researchers a valid and reliable tool to assess THS beliefs

Smokers’ Willingness to Get the COVID-19 Vaccine and Key Factors Associated with Their Views on Getting the Vaccine

BACKGROUND COVID-19 is a respiratory condition affecting the lungs and a person’s ability to breathe. Studies have identified groups disproportionately impacted by the virus, including individuals that smoke. The COVID-19 vaccine is a critical tool in reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with COVID-19. Given the level of risk of severe disease and death among smokers, it is important to better understand views of this population about COVID-19 vaccination. PURPOSE AND METHODS As part of a study on how COVID-19 influenced smoking behaviors we assessed smokers’ willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and factors associated with their attitudes toward vaccination. We conducted qualitative interviews with smokers from rural South Georgia communities (N=24). Since health disparities affect rural Georgia communities and higher rates of COVID-19 infection and death are documented in these areas, this sample included people with two overlapping risk factors. Interviews addressed the role of social influences, community norms, and barriers and facilitators affecting vaccination. FINDINGS Family members were mentioned most often as encouraging or discouraging vaccination. Ease of getting a vaccination appointment was most often identified as a facilitator. The majority of respondents said protecting their own and their families’ health was an important factor in their decision to get vaccinated, but very few mentioned their increased risk due to smoking. IMPLICATIONS The importance of easy access to the vaccine has implications for vaccine availability in rural areas. In addition, since few respondents identified increased risk due to smoking as a motivation for getting the vaccine, it is important to continue to focus efforts on education about smoking as a serious risk factor associated with infection. Understanding the salient issues around vaccine acceptance among smokers in rural communities can guide the development of strategies to increase vaccination rates and lessen the impact of COVID-19 in this vulnerable population

Minimal intervention delivered by 2-1-1 information and referral specialists promotes smoke-free homes among 2-1-1 callers: a Texas generalisation trial

BACKGROUND: Replication of intervention research is reported infrequently, limiting what we know about external validity and generalisability. The Smoke Free Homes Program, a minimal intervention, increased home smoking bans by United Way 2-1-1 callers in randomised controlled trials in Atlanta, Georgia and North Carolina. OBJECTIVE: Test the programme's generalisability-external validity in a different context. METHODS: A randomised controlled trial (n=508) of English-speaking callers from smoking-discordant households (≥1 smoker and ≥1 non-smoker). 2-1-1 Texas/United Way HELPLINE call specialists serving the Texas Gulf Coast recruited callers and delivered three mailings and one coaching call, supported by an online tracking system. Data collectors, blind to study assignment, conducted telephone interviews 3 and 6 months postbaseline. RESULTS: At 3 months, more intervention households reported a smoke-free home (46.6% vs 25.4%, p<0.0001; growth model intent-to-treat OR=1.48, 95% CI 1.241 to 1.772, p<0.0001). At 6 months, self-reported full bans were 62.9% for intervention participants and 38.4% for controls (OR=2.19). Texas trial participants were predominantly women (83%), single-smoker households (76%) and African-American (65%); half had incomes ≤US$10 000/year (50%). Texas recruitment was <50% of the other sites. Fewer callers reported having a smoker in the household. Almost twice the callers with a household smoker declined interest in the programme/study. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings in a region with lower smoking rates and more diverse callers, including English-speaking Latinos, support programme generalisability and convey evidence of external validity. Our recruitment experience indicates that site-specific adjustments might improve recruitment efficiency and reach. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02097914, Results