Published in:
01-10-2012 | Brief Communication
Achieving Smoke-free Apartment Outdoor Area Policies in Asian/Pacific Islander Neighborhoods of Central Los Angeles
Authors:
Jeanette Treiber, Veronica Acosta-Deprez, Robin Kipke, Travis Satterlund, Christine Araquel
Published in:
Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
|
Issue 5/2012
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Abstract
Attempting to achieve non-smoking outdoor area policies in apartment complexes of Central Los Angeles Asian/Pacific Islander neighborhoods, People’s CORE, a community based organization, partnered with a professional evaluator for a three year campaign. Focus group discussion results with residents showed readiness as well as hesitation towards non-smoking policies. Through community organizing, focus group discussions with tenants and one-on-one education outreach activities to apartment managers, the organization managed to have 20 apartment complexes adopt and implement policies for smoking restrictions in their common outdoor areas. Pre- and post observations at 52 apartment complexes showed statistically significant reduction of tobacco litter in parking areas/garages, entrance ways, courtyards, and balcony/walkway/community rooms. The authors attribute the success of the project in part to the long-standing good reputation of People’s CORE as a community mobilizer and organizer.