Reducing exposure of pre-school children to environmental tobacco smoke: Feasibility of a program for parents and other caregivers

The aim of this study was to assess the viability and potential efficacy of an environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure reduction intervention for at-risk children. The study consisted of a 12-week behavioral intervention and a 6-month follow-up, conducted on a convenience sample (N=43) of low-income, self-identified, adult smokers who were caregivers of 3-5 year old children. The intervention included a manualized program, plus nicotine replacement therapy, and monetary reinforcement of abstinence. Outcome measures included breath carbon monoxide (CO), self-reported smoking practices, level of nicotine dependence, and depression symptoms. Significant reductions were observed in CO concentration, frequency of smoking around children, and nicotine dependence and depression scores. Sixty-one percent of the participants attended 8 or more weekly sessions, and one third remained smoke-free at follow-up. Those who did not quit reported not changing their smoking behavior patterns in vehicles or indoors. The cessation intervention compared well with other interventions for treatment-seeking smokers, suggesting that implementing evidence-based cessation and education programs for caregivers at school sites may be effective in reducing daily exposure to ETS of pre-school children.