Abstract: Using microdata from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (2002-2012) and a difference-in-differences methodology, we estimate the impact of state-level public smoking bans on drinking, binge drinking and drunk driving among adults in the United States. In doing so, we expand the limited and mixed empirical literature by moving beyond average effects to assess heterogeneity in alcohol-related behavioral change by sex and race/ethnicity, thus providing evidence to support public health policy aimed at reducing relevant disparities. We find that public smoking bans do not impact drinking on average, but there are differential effects by sex and race/ethnicity. Specifically, the bans reduce drinking on the extensive margin among Asian, Black/African American and Hispanic/Latinx adults regardless of sex, as well as Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander men. They also reduce drinking on the intensive margin among Hispanic/Latinx and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander men. The impact on women is driven by non-smokers, as is the impact on Asian and Black/African American men. The impact on Hispanic/Latinx and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander men is largely driven by smokers. We also find that public smoking bans reduce the likelihood and frequency of binge drinking among non-smoking Asian women, but they increase the likelihood of binge drinking among Black/African American women. Further, there is some evidence that the bans increase the number of drunk driving occurrences among Asian men who smoke. Our results withstand several robustness checks, which further suggest that we conservatively estimate the impact of public smoking bans on drinking behaviors. 

Abstract: This objective of this study is to assess the usability and acceptability of a web-based perinatal pilot intervention called 'Guiding Lifemakers on Wellness' (GLOW). Fifteen participants completed virtual cognitive walkthroughs of the GLOW  program, structured across three phases: (1) discussion of perinatal health experiences; (2) task performance with cognitive load ratings using the NASA-RTLX; and (3) reflections on website usability and engagement. Data were analyzed descriptively and thematically using grounded theory. Participants described diverse perinatal health and nutrition experiences, with financial strain noted as a barrier to food access. Most website tasks were rated 'low' in cognitive demand, although recipe searches and discussion board posts required greater effort. Discussion boards, meal plans and videos were identified as the most compelling features of the GLOW program. On balance, our findings support the refinement of GLOW as a scalable digital intervention to promote perinatal well-being.