The implementation of a smoke-free policy was associated with positive changes in cessation-related behaviors and reduced SHS exposure in this population of low-income adults.

Objective: To assess whether smoking quit rates and satisfaction with the Washington State tobacco quitline (QL) services varied by race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, area of residence (that is, urban versus nonurban), or sex of Washington QL callers. Methods: From October 2004 into October 2005, we conducted telephone surveys of Washington QL callers about three months after their initial call to the QL. Analyses compared 7-day quit rates and satisfaction measures by race/ethnicity, education level, area of residence and sex (using a = 0.05). Results: We surveyed half (n = 1312) of the 2638 adult smokers we attempted to contact. The 7-day quit rate among survey participants at the 3-month follow-up was 31% (CI: 27.1% to 34.2%), 92% (CI: 89.9% to 94.1%) were somewhat/very satisfied overall with the QL programme, 97% (CI: 95.5% to 98.2%) indicated that they would probably/for sure suggest the QL to others and 95% (CI: 92.9% to 96.4%) were somewhat/very satisfied with the QL specialist. Quit rate did not vary significantly by race/ ethnicity, education level, area of residence or sex. Satisfaction levels were high across subpopulations. Almost all participants (99%) agreed that they were always treated respectfully during interactions with QL staff. Conclusions: The Washington QL appeared effective and well received by callers from the specific populations studied. States choosing to promote their QL more aggressively should feel confident that a tobacco QL can be an effective and well received cessation service for smokers who call from a broad range of communities.

Nonsmoking employees left unprotected from workplace secondhand smoke exposure had elevated levels of a tobacco-specific carcinogen in their bodies. All workers--including bar and restaurant workers--should be protected from indoor workplace exposure to cancer-causing secondhand smoke.

Objectives. To conduct a descriptive, comparative study of the acceptability and effectiveness of a tobacco cessation quitline (QL) among Alaska Native people and non-Alaska Native people. Study design. From January 2006 to January 2007, we conducted telephone surveys of first-time Alaska QL callers who set a quit date. We attempted to reach them by phone about 3 months after their call to the QL. Methods. Analyses compared 7-day point prevalence quit rates, satisfaction measures, experiences and general perceptions of QLs by Alaska Native and non-Alaska Native callers. Results. We surveyed 39.8% (n=772) of the 1,941 adult tobacco users we attempted to contact. The 7-day point prevalence quit rate among Alaska Native survey participants at the 3-month follow-up was 22.2% (CI: 14.8% -32.0%), compared to 40.7% (CI: 36.7% -44.9%) for non-Alaska Native survey participants. Eighty-three percent (CI: 74.6% -89.3%) were somewhat/very satisfied overall with the QL program compared to 90.3% (CI: 87.6% -92.4%) for non-Alaska Native participants. Conclusions. Although the QL was less effective for Alaska Native callers than other QL callers, Alaska Native peoples' quit rates and satisfaction were still quite good. Despite this, more effort should be made to address specific Alaska Native values and social and cultural barriers to quitting tobacco.