Smoke-free New Zealand Prisons

Stephanie Muir

RN MN

• New Zealand prisons became smoke-free July 1st 2011.

• First country in the world to do so.

• Aim of the study was to explore changes in health perceptions of men in prison following a smoking cessation programme

• Design:

• 2 separate lung age tests• In depth structured interviews +• A quality of life questionnaire (SF-36)+

• Method• Lung age tests compared 2 units prior to and

after smoking cessation programme• Prisoner’s interviewed individually• SF results normalised• Orem’s model of self care deficit underpins

research

• Results

• Lung age tests-nil difference between units

• But 80% lung age decreased across all 42

• Maori men rated health better in some of SF-36-physical, emotional, general health and vitality

• But poorer in mental health, social functioning