Environmental Tobacco Smoke Exposure in Children: Compliance with a Home Smoking Ban Among Texas Households

Rodriguez, Lori A., Environmental Tobacco Smoke Exposure in Children: Compliance With a Home Smoking Ban Among Texas Households. Master of Public Health (Epidemiology), December, 2007, 72 pp., 10 tables, bibliography, 75 titles. This general population study explores characteristics influencing non-compliance with a home smoking ban among Texas households with children, particularly those with asthmatic children. Over 17% of adults reported non-compliance, with the highest rate in African Americans. Adults who currently smoke (25%) had higher reports of having an asthmatic child in the household and were more likely to not comply. Child asthma status was not a significant predictor of non-compliance; however, African Americans with no asthmatic children were more likely than African Americans with an asthmatic child to not comply. The role of race/ethnicity should be further investigated to improve interventions and home smoking bans should continue to be promoted in an effort to reduce environmental tobacco smoke exposure.