title: Predictors of smoke-free policies in affordable multiunit housing, North Carolina, 2013.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Smoke-free policies can effectively protect nonsmokers from secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure in multiunit housing. We surveyed all affordable multiunit housing properties in North Carolina to determine the statewide prevalence of smoke-free policies and to identify predictors of smoke-free policies.
  
  
  METHODS
  Representatives of affordable housing properties in North Carolina completed a mailed or online survey during June through October 2013. The primary outcome measure was presence of a smoke-free policy, defined as prohibiting smoking in all residential units. We used χ(2) analysis and multivariate logistic regression to identify correlates of smoke-free policies.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of 1,865 eligible properties, responses were received for 1,063 (57%). A total of 16.5% of properties had policies that prohibited smoking in all residential units, while 69.6% prohibited smoking in indoor common areas. In multivariate analysis, an increase in the number of children per unit was associated with a decrease in the odds of having a smoke-free policy at most properties. Newer properties across all company sizes were more likely to have smoke-free policies. Accessing units from interior hallways predicted smoke-free policies among medium-sized companies.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  More smoke-free policies in affordable multiunit housing are needed to protect vulnerable populations, particularly children, from SHS exposure. Public health professionals should continue to educate housing operators about SHS and the benefits of smoke-free policies at all properties, including older ones and ones where units are accessed from outside rather than from an interior hallway.
authors.affiliation: North Carolina Division of Public Health, Raleigh, North Carolina,1932 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1932. Email: anna.stein@dhhs.nc.gov.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Stein
authors.affiliation: North Carolina Division of Public Health, Raleigh, North Carolina.
authors.forename: Janet
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Suttie
authors.affiliation: North Carolina Division of Public Health, Raleigh, North Carolina.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Baker
authors.affiliation: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Agans
authors.affiliation: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
authors.forename: Wei
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Xue
authors.affiliation: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
authors.forename: J Michael
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Bowling
mesh_terms: D003132:Commerce; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D005380:Financing, Government / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006798:Housing / Q000191:economics* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016852:Housing for the Elderly / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D009657:North Carolina / Q000453:epidemiology; D010067:Ownership; D012111:Residence Characteristics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012112:Residential Facilities / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D061845:Smoke-Free Policy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology; D016540:Smoking Cessation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution