Enhancing Equity in Smoke-free Housing

Launched by HARVARD SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH (HSPH) · Sep 13, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This study is testing whether a Smokefree Implementation Framework and Toolkit can be realistically used to implement a smoke-free housing policy in Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) communities. The researchers plan this in two phases: first to identify what adaptations are needed and how to integrate them with ongoing behavioral health support, and second to pilot the framework with property managers to see how well it works in real buildings. The goal is to reduce indoor smoking and support residents who want to quit, with a focus on communities that have historically faced health disparities.

Eligible participants are adults (18 and older) living in six affordable housing communities that include PSH in Massachusetts, Maryland, and New York. Both smokers and non-smokers can take part, and English or Spanish speakers can complete surveys. In addition to residents, property managers and caseworkers at these sites will be involved in interviews. If you participate, you may complete surveys before the intervention and for up to six months after, and some measurements include air nicotine in common areas and residents’ self-reported smoking behavior. Everyone in the study receives the Smokefree Framework and Toolkit (no drugs or devices are involved), and the project is led by Harvard School of Public Health. Enrollment is by invitation and is currently underway, with completion expected around the end of 2025.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• • The study setting is 6 affordable housing communities that include Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) in Massachusetts, Maryland and New York (USA).
• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Adult residents of the six affordable housing communities who smoke or do not smoke tobacco, who receive or do not receive Permanent Supportive Housing services, and can complete a survey in English or Spanish.
• • Adult residents of the six affordable housing communities who smoke or do not smoke tobacco, who receive or do not receive Permanent Supportive Housing services, and can participate in a focus group discussion in English.
• • Property Managers (or their designated appointees) of the six affordable housing communities where the research will be conducted and able to receive the intervention and participate in the qualitative interviews in English.
• • Caseworkers who are dedicated health workers who provide behavioral health support (mental health and substance use support interventions) to residents at each of the six properties and who can receive the intervention and participate in the qualitative interviews in English.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Those unable to speak English or Spanish.