Opportunities to Improve Tobacco Control for State Agency Employees

Abstract

Objective The aim of the study is to explore tobacco-related knowledge and perceptions at Washington State (WA) agencies. Methods The study used a cross-sectional employee survey and qualitative focus groups with managers/supervisors. We produced descriptive statistics to examine differences in awareness and perceptions of tobacco-control efforts among employees and conducted a rapid thematic analysis of focus group data. Results Of employees, only 18% with a history of tobacco use had used their agency’s cessation benefits. Employees who did not use tobacco and who had higher education had more favorable attitudes toward tobacco-control efforts. In the focus groups, manager/supervisors described limited tobacco cessation promotion at their agency, barriers to tobacco control implementation, and concerns about the perceived effectiveness of additional tobacco-control efforts. Conclusions State agencies should increase promotion of tobacco control policies and programs to increase awareness and reduce disparities in tobacco use.