The State of Texas used funds recovered from tobacco settlement funds to implement an initiative that aimed to reduce smoking initiation and to increase smoking cessation among children and youth. To provide insight into the prevention effects that were observed, analyses were conducted to confirm the processes through which media and school-community campaigns yielded their impact on tobacco use among children and youth. The relationship between media exposure and school-community programs was examined as well as their relationship to risk factors for tobacco use. The media campaign was designed to dispel the belief that smoking makes one look cool, identified as one major risk factor, and other risks associated with tobacco use. Examination of the relationship between that belief and exposure to the media campaign and to school-based refusal skills training resulted in a significantly lower likelihood of students believing that smoking makes a young person look cool. The ability to resist peer pressure to use tobacco was also identified as a major risk factor influencing tobacco use. Reported exposure to school-based refusal skill training was associated with greater reported ability to resist peer pressure. When intentions regarding future tobacco use were examined, both media and school program exposure are associated with lower risk of smoking, with the lowest risk level among those who report daily media exposure and participation in school-based refusal skills training. These findings show that significant short-term effects can be achieved with the combination of media campaigns and school-based programs aimed at peer pressure resistance. See www.ducktexas.org
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to: 1. Articulate the processes through which reductions in tobacco use were achieved among Texas children and youth. 2. Describe components of the school-based tobacco prevention curriculum. 3. Describe the Texas Tobacco Prevention Initiative media campaign. 4. Identify risk factors for tobacco use among Texas youth.
Keywords: Tobacco Settlement, School-Based Programs
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.