Smoking in correctional facilities: a survey of employees

Abstract

Objective-To assess level of endorsement and expected consequences of worksite smoking restriction policies among correctional employees. Design-Mailed survey to Vermont state correctional employees. Main outcome measures-Support for various policy alternatives for both staV and inmate smoking; expected consequences of restrictive smoking policies and smoking behaviour. Participants-321 of 640 (50%) state correctional employees responded. Results-Employees were somewhat receptive to smoking restrictions for inmates, but less supportive of staV smoking restrictions. A complete ban on inmate smoking both indoors and outdoors was supported by 56% and 49% of never and ex-smokers, respectively, but only 15% of current smokers (p < 0.01). A similar ban on employee smoking was supported by 38% of never and ex-smokers, but only 3% of current smokers (p < 0.01). Overall, employees were most supportive (52%) of a policy for themselves that banned indoor smoking and restricted it to certain areas outdoors. Current smokers were more likely to expect negative consequences as a result of further restrictions than were never or ex-smokers. Conclusions-Although our findings are limited by a low response rate, most employees support an indoor ban, but not a total ban on smoking. Employees generally favoured a policy that was slightly more restrictive than the current policy, but were less supportive of tighter smoking restrictions for themselves. However, a more restrictive smoking policy is likely to result in some degree of resistance among current smoking employees, who may require specific attention to address their opposition. (Tobacco Control 2001;10:38-42)

Inmate exposure to secondhand smoke in correctional facilities and the impact of smoking restrictions

“…The fact that correctional facilities that have implemented smoking restrictions have reported increased violence in only two (less than 4%) of the 52 correctional systems in the US mitigates the concern of possible confrontations related to smoking bans (Patrick and Marsh, 2001). Despite the contention that cigarettes are a useful way to reward good behavior among inmates, and that a ban on smoking would eliminate this reinforcement, that is not the opinion of correctional officers and prison employees in Vermont; over 60% of these employees supported smoking policies that banned smoking indoors and placed limitations on smoking outdoors (Carpenter et al, 2001).…”

Tabakprävention in Gefängnissen

“…60% bis 80% (Carpenter, Hughes et al 2001) 70% bis 80% (Cropsey, Eldridge et al 2008) 62% (Hammond and Emmons 2005) 60% bis 80% (Kauffman, Ferketich et al 2010); N= 200, 79.8% 76% Prävalenz vor der Inhaftierung; 78.5% unter partiellem Rauchverbot (Kauffman, Ferketich et al 2011) 69.6% N=1174 (Cropsey, Crews et al 2006) 37.8% der Landesgefangenen (state inmates) und 38.6% der Bundesgefangenen (federal inmates) haben im Monat ihres Arrests im Jahr 2005 geraucht (The national center on 1 Beinhaltet Gelegenheitsraucher addiction and substance abuse at 2010) 70% (verglichen mit 21% der Allgemeinbevölkerung), 65% Raucher (Proescholdbell, Foley et al 2008) 70% (verglichen mit 23% der Allgemeinbevölkerung) (Chavez, Oto-Kent et al 2005) 60% bis 80% (verglichen mit 21% der Allgemeinbevölkerung) (Kauffman, Ferketich et al 2008) 50.4% (verglichen mit 23.9% der Allgemeinbevölkerung), N=14373 (Binswanger, Krueger et al 2009) 82.5%, N=200 (Lincoln, Tuthill et al 2009) Eine andere Studie liegt 74.2% vor, N=1200 neu eintretende Insassen (verglichen mit 19.7% der Allgemeinbevölkerung im Jahr 2003) (Lincoln, Tuthill et al 2009) Eine Studie, die im Jahr 1996 veröffentlicht wurde, führt 75% an (Patrick and Marsh 2001) 63.3%, N= 147 gewalttätige Männer (Stuart, Moore et al 2004) Australien Die Vergleichsdaten für Raucher in der Allgemeinbevölkerung sind wie folgt:…”

“…Im Jahr 2006 wurden Haftanstalten in den USA als Orte mit dem höchsten Wert an Passivrauchaussetzung bezeichnet (Guyon, Brochu et al 2010 (Carpenter, Hughes et al 2001).…”

“…Das Personal ist zurückhaltend, was die Änderung der Regelwerke für Raucher anbelangt und beurteilt Beschränkungen für Gefangene positiver als Beschränkungen für sich selbst (Carpenter, Hughes et al 2001). Nichtraucher stehen einem Verbot weniger ablehnend gegenüber (Foley, Proescholdbell et al 2010).…”

“…Die Auffassung des Personals hinsichtlich der Konsequenzen der Beschränkung: Gewalt oder Angst vor Verletzung anderer Regeln. Negative Auswirkungen werden von Rauchern sogar strenger beurteilt (Carpenter, Hughes et al 2001 (Foley, Proescholdbell et al 2010). …”