Problem/Objective: Frontier policy campaigns on secondhand smoke control areas such as smoke-free multi-unit housing (MUH) and smoke-free casino require sound evaluation strategies to not only demonstrate the effectiveness of the policies, but also move the campaign forward. We employed a multi-facet approach to evaluate the smoke-free MUH and Indian casino campaign.

Methods: We included attitudinal questions on smoke-free MUH and casino in the general population tobacco use survey. Special interviews were designed for renters, apartment managers/owners, casino patrons, casino employees, and casino managers. We also conducted focus groups among potential casino patrons. The interview and focus group questions assessed the public awareness and support for the smoke-free policies, secondhand smoke exposure in these settings, and the perceived benefits of the potential policies. We also planned studies to examine the economic impact of smoke-free policies including the potential savings from maintenance, renovation, fire insurance, and health-related cost. These measures serve both as formative research and outcome evaluation after multi-wave data collections are completed.

Results: Preliminary results showed that majority of general population, MUH renters and potential casino patrons support a smoke-free policy. Most of the apartment managers also support smoke-free units. During focus groups, Indian casino patrons provided insightful information on their opinion about smoking in the casinos. Smokers and non-smokers showed distinctive opinions, understanding, and concerns over the secondhand smoke and policy issues.

Conclusions: The positive public support points the campaigns to the “forward” direction. More data collection and analysis will create a body of evidence to demonstrate the effectiveness of such campaigns.