'A place for healthy activity': Parent and caregiver perspectives on smokefree playgrounds. (January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McIntosh, Alison H.; Collins, Damian; Parsons, Marc
• Is Part Of: Health & place. Volume 31(2015:Jan.)
• Page Start: 146
• Page End: 153
• Publication Date: 2015-01
• Subjects: Playgrounds -- Secondhand smoke -- Smoking bans -- Survey -- Canada; Health -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Health services accessibility -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; Political planning -- Periodicals; Social medicine -- Periodicals; Epidemiology -- Periodicals; Health Policy -- Periodicals; Health Services Accessibility -- Periodicals; Public Health -- Periodicals; Public Policy -- Periodicals; Sociology, Medical -- Periodicals; Épidémiologie -- Périodiques; Politique sanitaire -- Périodiques; Santé, Services de -- Accessibilité -- Périodiques; Health services accessibility; Health -- Social aspects; Political planning; Public health; Social medicine; Periodicals; 613
• DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2014.11.011
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1353-8292

Abstract

Abstract: Restrictions on outdoor smoking are increasingly common, especially for spaces associated with children. In Canada, playground smoking bans are in effect in 102 municipalities. A survey of parents and caregivers at three playgrounds in neighbourhoods of varying income levels was undertaken in Edmonton, Alberta in July 2013. Respondents expressed very strong support for smokefree playgrounds, informed by knowledge of smoking as a health risk that was out of place. Levels of support did not vary significantly across the three sites. Social enforcement of smokefree rules was complicated by low levels of awareness, and fears of confrontation. Highlights: 102 Municipalities in Canada have bylaws prohibiting smoking in playgrounds. High levels of support for smokefree playgrounds were recorded across neighbourhoods of varied income levels. Social enforcement of smokefree playground rules may be limited by low awareness and fears of confrontation. Smoking is perceived as out of place at playgrounds.