title: A systematic examination of smoke-free policies in multiunit dwellings in Virginia as reported by property managers: implications for prevention.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In most states, smoking has been curtailed to some extent in public buildings, workplaces, and restaurants. The next frontier for smoke-free policies is the multiunit dwelling industry. However, the extent to which smoke-free housing currently is available is unknown. The purpose of this study was to measure the market for smoke-free housing in Virginia and to identify barriers to adopting smoke-free policies.
  
  
  METHODS
  Telephone interviews were conducted with property managers of rental apartments, townhouses, senior housing, and public housing in four Virginia cities.
  
  
  METHODS
  Four cities in Virginia.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two hundred sixty-three property managers in four cities in Virginia (approximately 75 property managers per city).
  
  
  METHODS
  Property managers were administered a brief telephone survey.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Only 33.8% of property managers reported some type of smoke-free policy, with only 15% of those policies prohibiting smoking in residential units. Most property managers without a smoke-free policy were not considering adopting such a policy for a variety of reasons.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The availability of smoke-free multiunit dwellings is severely lacking. This study identified a number of science-based and legal misperceptions that may prevent the adoption of smoke-free policies. Correction of these misperceptions is warranted to increase the availability of smoke-free housing. Such policies will be useful in creating environments that support good health practices while simultaneously protecting tenants from exposure to secondhand smoke.
authors: Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908-0660, USA. slj4u@virginia.edu
authors: Shelly L
authors: SL
authors: Jackson
authors: Richard J
authors: RJ
authors: Bonnie
mesh_terms: D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006291:Health Policy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D011638:Public Housing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000379:methods*; D000074606:Smoking Prevention; D040241:Social Marketing; D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000517:prevention & control; D014768:Virginia / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution