From Attitude to Action: Identifying the Knowledge and Practice Gap in Smoke-free Home Promotion Among Texas Community Health Workers and Health Education Specialists

Authors: Shawn C. Chiang, PhD, MPH, Ping Ma, PhD, and Lei-Shih Chen, PhD, MS, MCHES, CHW

This study examined how Community Health Workers (CHWs) and Health Education Specialists in Texas support families in creating smoke-free homes. Among 218 professionals surveyed, most had a positive attitude toward preventing secondhand smoke exposure, but only one-third were providing smoke-free home services. Many who offered support mainly gave advice, while fewer helped families put smoke-free rules into practice or provided follow-up support. CHWs also had some gaps in knowledge about secondhand smoke risks and how to create smoke-free homes. The findings suggest that more practical training could help frontline workers better support families in reducing exposure to secondhand smoke.