Young adult perceptions of smoking in outdoor park areas.
OBJECTIVE
Smoking restrictions in recreational settings are established to promote anti-smoking norms and reduce exposure to secondhand smoke. Outdoor smoke-free policies are increasing, yet little is known about the perceptions of such restrictions.


METHODS
Data were collected from a population-based sample of young adults (n=2289) in upper Midwestern United States. Cross-sectional multivariate logistic regression was used to assess predictors of the perceived difficulty to smoke in outdoor park areas.


RESULTS
Living in an area with a smoke-free park policy was associated with a 1.4 times higher odds of perceiving difficulty to smoke compared to those living in an area without such a policy, after controlling for past month smoking, physical activity, age, and gender. Both smokers and non-smokers living in an area with a smoke-free park policy had higher odds of perceiving difficulty to smoking in park areas (OR=1.6 and 1.3 respectively) compared to smokers and non-smokers living in areas without such policies.


CONCLUSIONS
Banning smoking in park areas was associated with a heightened perception of difficulty in smoking for young adult smokers and non-smokers.
Ohio State University College of Public Health, 1841 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, United States of America. eklein@cph.osu.edu
Elizabeth G
EG
Klein
Debra H
DH
Bernat
Jean L
JL
Forster
D000293:Adolescent; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004779:Environment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D015146:Midwestern United States; D011633:Public Facilities; D011639:Public Opinion; D011640:Public Policy; D011998:Recreation; D012907:Smoking / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution; D055815:Young Adult
D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution