|
Achieving smoke-free homes – key debates
Amanda Amos, Professor and Head of Public Health Sciences,
University of Edinburgh, UK
Abstract
Background:
Smoking in the home is the major cause of exposure to secondhand smoke in children, particularly in low-income households.
Aim:
Drawing on findings from a qualitative Scottish study, this paper identifies key issues and debates that need to be considered when developing action to promote smoke-free homes.
Methods:
In-depth interviews were conducted with 50 adults in Scotland including smokers who lived with smokers, smokers who lived with non-smokers and non-smokers who lived with smokers. Two panels of tobacco control experts (local and national) considered the implications of the findings for future action on reducing smoking in the home.
Findings:
The expert panels identified two key debates. Firstly protecting children from SHS requires an understanding of the complexity of health decisions by carers, as well as the rights of children who wish to be smoke-free but are unable to modify their environments. The second debate concerns whether initiatives should take an incremental harm reduction approach which supports partial restrictions for some homes, or only promote total restrictions for all homes.
Conclusions:
The expert panels were very aware of the sensitivities around the boundary between the ‘private’ home and public health interventions. Future action on smoke-free homes should consider these complexities.
TOP
About the presenters
Amanda Amos is and Head of Public Health Sciences at Edinburgh University. Her research has focused on a range of smoking issues from the individual to community and societal levels.
Deborah Ritchie is Head of Nursing Studies at Edinburgh University. She has a background in tobacco control, health promotion and working in disadvantaged communities. Her particular research interests are inequalities and smoking, and smoking and mental health.
|
