The evaluation of the American Stop Smoking Intervention Study (ASSIST) has provided an opportunity to generate valuable information about the impact of the first, federally funded multi-state tobacco control initiative. ASSIST interventions focused on reducing tobacco use through policy-based approaches to alter the social-political environment. The ASSIST evaluation has had to address numerous analytical challenges. This presentation will discuss these challenges along with initial findings. The findings from ASSIST will include: 1) relationship of ASSIST to smoking prevalence rates at the end of the project, adjusting for baseline values and other covariates, 2) the relationship of more upstream outcomes (tobacco control policy oriented initial outcomes index) to prevalence and consumption at the end of ASSIST, and 3) the relationship of various policy components to prevalence and consumption rates. In addition, we will discuss how these results are affected by changes in analytical approach (regression adjustment approach vs. a direct change method). The findings from ASSIST and the lessons learned from developing the measures and methods needed to understand a complex endeavor such as state-level tobacco control initiatives, will benefit future tobacco control evaluation efforts.
Learning Objectives: Describe the effect ASSIST had on prevalence and consumption rates. Identify and discuss the tobacco control program factors associated with lowering consumption and prevalence rates. Identify and discuss the tobacco industry efforts to undermine ASSIST.
Keywords: Evaluation, Tobacco Control
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: National Cancer Institute
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: employment