Smoke-Free Housing Strategies for Secondhand Smoke Exposure
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores the implementation of smoke-free housing policies in communities providing Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH). It aims to assess the ease and effectiveness of these policies while offering behavioral health support. The trial employs a Smokefree Implementation Framework and Toolkit to assist residents and staff in making these changes. It seeks residents and staff from six affordable housing communities in Massachusetts, Maryland, and New York who can speak English or Spanish and participate in surveys or interviews. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to important research that could enhance community health and housing environments.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on smoke-free housing policies rather than medication use.
What prior data suggests that this smoke-free housing implementation framework is safe for residents?
Research has shown that smoke-free rules effectively reduce exposure to secondhand smoke. These rules protect nonsmokers from the health dangers associated with secondhand smoke. Smoke-free areas also decrease the social acceptability of smoking, which can lead to a reduction in smoking overall.
The Smokefree Implementation Framework and Toolkit aims to establish these smoke-free areas. It offers steps and resources to implement smoke-free rules in housing communities. This approach poses no safety concerns, as it does not involve medication or physical treatment. Instead, it focuses on reducing exposure to tobacco smoke, which is known to harm health.
In summary, smoke-free efforts are well-received and pose no direct health risks to participants. They contribute to a healthier environment by reducing exposure to harmful tobacco smoke.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the Smokefree Implementation Framework and Toolkit because it offers a comprehensive and structured approach to reducing secondhand smoke exposure in housing environments. Unlike typical measures that rely on individual tenant agreements or sporadic enforcement, this framework provides a detailed set of strategies and resources to implement smoke-free policies effectively and consistently. The toolkit is designed to support landlords and property managers in creating healthier living environments, potentially leading to significant public health benefits by reducing exposure to harmful secondhand smoke.
What evidence suggests that the Smokefree Implementation Framework and Toolkit is effective for reducing secondhand smoke exposure?
Studies have shown that smokefree air policies greatly reduce exposure to secondhand and thirdhand smoke, leading to fewer heart attacks and asthma issues among nonsmokers. In this trial, all participants will receive the Smokefree Implementation Framework and Toolkit. Research indicates that this toolkit is easy to use in housing communities. Similar programs have successfully increased smoke-free rules in homes. These findings suggest that the toolkit could help make housing environments healthier by reducing smoke exposure.678910
Who Is on the Research Team?
Vaughan Rees, PhD
Principal Investigator
Harvard University School of Public Health
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults living in six specific affordable housing communities, whether they smoke or not. It includes residents receiving support services and property managers or their appointees who can engage in English interviews. Caseworkers providing behavioral health support are also eligible. Non-English or non-Spanish speakers cannot participate.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Phase 1: Adaptation Identification
Identify adaptations for a smokefree housing implementation framework and integrate with behavioral health support
Phase 2: Pilot Testing
Pilot test the adapted implementation framework to assess acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness
Phase 3: Refinement
Refine the smokefree implementation framework and toolkit based on evidence synthesis
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after intervention
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Smokefree Implementation Framework and Toolkit
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH)
Lead Sponsor
Beacon Communities
Collaborator
The Community Builders
Collaborator