Perceptions and Influences of a State Prison Smoking Ban

• NCJ Number: 240945
• Journal: Journal of Correctional Health Care Volume: 18 Issue: 4 Dated: October 2012 Pages: 293-301
• Author(s): Laura Thibodeau, M.S.N., R.N.; David W. Seal, Ph.D.; Douglas E. Jorenby, Ph.D.; Keri Corcoran; James M. Sosman, M.D.
• Date Published: October 2012
• Length: 9 pages
• Grant Number(s): 5P50DA019706
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute on Drug Abuse
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study tested hypotheses with a smoking intervention for men leaving prison who wished to remain smoke-free.

Abstract

Prison smoking bans are increasingly common. It is important to consider how those who are incarcerated respond to these bans and to the subsequent development of contraband tobacco markets. Since there are high rates of smoking in individuals who become incarcerated, along with high rates of chronic illnesses that are exacerbated by smoking, it is critical to examine whether there are health promoting changes in perceptions of and intentions toward smoking and other health behaviors that can be maintained on release to the community. Interviews with incarcerated men experiencing a prison smoking ban revealed their responses to being smoke-free, reactions to the presence of contraband smoking, and the influences of this experience on their intentions to smoke following release. Abstract published by arrangement with Sage Journals.