2009 Faculty Researchers

Kevin D. Everett, PhD

Examining the health effects of a comprehensive workplace smoke-free ordinance in two Missouri communities

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Department

Family & Community Medicine

Office Location

Ma306m Medical Science Bldg.

Phone #:

Office: (573) 884-7051

Summary

Previous research literature finds communities that enact comprehensive smoke-free workplace policies have many health benefits, including a reduction in the number of admissions to local hospitals for myocardial infarction. One study has also found a reduction in admissions for respiratory disease conditions. This project will examine hospital admission rates for myocardial infarction and asthma/copd in two Missouri communities that recently enacted comprehensive smoke-free policies. Hospitals submit de-identified data to a central database (HIDI) maintain by the Missouri Hospital Association. Project task will include obtaining IRB approval, developing a protocol to receive appropriate data from HIDI, conducting data analyses, and writing a report of findings. This study may lead to additional studies that can lead to a better understanding of how secondhand smoke exposures effect health status.