Protection projects include an exploratory study of the physical and social exposure to smoking by adolescents and their impact on behaviour, an observation study of waterpipe use, and a literature synthesis of the health effects of exposure to second smoke in outdoor settings and the impacts of outdoor smoking bans.
Outdoor Exposure to Secondhand Smoke: A Knowledge Synthesis of Health Effects and Economic Costs
Start Date: April, 2012
Expected Date of Completion: March 2013
Principal Investigator and Project Lead: Roberta Ferrence
Principal Investigator Involved: Joanna Cohen
Project Team: Sarah Muir
Funding Source: Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
Project Description
This study reviews the literature on health effects of exposure to secondhand smoke in outdoor settings (i.e. patios, setbacks from entrances and windows, parks and playgrounds, hospital grounds etc.), and the economic costs and impacts associated with outdoor smoking bans.
Main Research Questions
Methodology
A knowledge synthesis
Physical and Social Exposure to Smoking among Youth and Young Adults
Start Date: April 2012
Expected Date of Completion: March 2013
Project Lead: Pamela Kaufman
Principal Investigators Involved: Steven Brown, Joanna Cohen, Roberta Ferrence
Project Team: Michael Chaiton, Jaklyn Andrews
Funding Source: Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
Project Description
It is hypothesized that reducing social exposure (i.e., visual and sensory cues associated with the use of tobacco products) will lead to decreased youth initiation. However, few studies have examined this relationship. The purpose of this project is to develop a research study to measure the frequency and context of social exposure to smoking, and the relationship between social exposure and smoking attitudes and behaviours among adolescents.
Scope
This project involves the development of a research proposal for submission to a funding agency in 2012-13.
Main Research Questions
Methodology
A mixed method approach collects data on social exposures, attitudes and smoking behaviour among adolescents, including Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) using a mobile survey application, GPS tracking technology and semi-structured interviews. The methods will build on a protocol developed by the investigators as part of a feasibility study in 2011-12.
Putting Thirdhand Smoke on the Policy Agenda: An Expert Panel
Start Date: October 2011
Expected Date of Completion: September 2012
Principal Investigator: Pam Kaufman
Co-Investigators: Roberta Ferrence, Marilyn Pope, Bo Zhang
Project Team: Marian Smith
Source of Funding: CIHR
Project Description
Thirdhand smoke is tobacco smoke contamination that remains after a cigarette is extinguished. Its role in the broader context of tobacco control efforts is still unknown. An international, multidisciplinary expert panel has met and is reviewing and disseminating evidence on thirdhand smoke (THS) to knowledge users in science, medicine, public health and policy.
Main Research Questions
Methodology
Smoke-Free Affordable Housing in Canada: Promoting Health and Health Equity
Start Date: March 2012
Expected Date of Completion: March 2013
Principal Investigator: Pam Kaufman
Co-investigators: Roberta Ferrence, Pippa Beck, Ryan Kennedy
Project Team: Julie Kang
Source of Funding: Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Project Description
Smoke-free policies have been gaining momentum in recent years in North America. While there are some smoke-free policies in multi-unit dwellings across Canada, few housing authorities have implemented such policies in their social housing.
This research uses a case study approach to investigate the impact of Canadian residential tenancy legislation and policy approaches on the implementation of smoke-free policies in affordable housing, the experiences and behaviours of residents, and levels of SHS exposure.
Methodology
Smoke-Free Homes and Asthma Pilot Intervention Study
Start Date: May 2010
Expected Date of Completion: March 2013
Principal Investigator: Robert Schwartz
Co-investigators: Ken Allison, Susan Bondy, Geoff Fong, Pam Kaufman, Roberta Ferrence
Project Team: Emily Taylor
Source of Funding: Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Project Description
Exposure to second-hand smoke (SHS) by children and adolescents is an important health and social policy concern in Canada and elsewhere. A promising intervention to reduce children’s exposure involves the use of coaching and Motivational Interviewing (MI) to counsel families to develop the capacity for establishing smoke-free homes and vehicles.
This project is a pilot intervention to assess the effectiveness of this approach in promoting smoke-free homes among Ontario families. The delivery of the intervention is through the Primary Care Asthma Program (PCAP), which has a mandate to provide asthma management to families through 12 regional sites in Ontario.
Scope
The intervention consists of two in-person counselling sessions and two follow-up telephone counselling sessions with a sample of target parents who are clients of the PCAPs. Participants also receive a Smoke-Free Homes Kit and a short visit with a physician.
Main Research Questions
Methodology
Waterpipe Use in Toronto Canada
Start Date: April 2012
Expected Date of Completion: March 2013
Principal Investigator and Project Lead: Roberta Ferrence
Principal Investigator Involved: Joanna Cohen
Project Team: Pamela Kaufman, Bo, Zhang, Farzana Haji
Funding Source: Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
Project Description
Waterpipe smoking is becoming a growing public health concern. The evidence to date suggests that waterpipe smoke is at least as toxic as cigarette smoke. There are gaps in understanding/knowledge about exposure levels to toxic constituents of waterpipe in various public venues, and the context of use. This study contributes to understanding of the context of waterpipe use and exposure to toxic constituents, and to the development of survey items to inform our understanding of prevalence, knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of use
Scope
This project has two components:
Main Research Questions
Methodology
