The Massachusetts Tobacco Control Program (MTCP), established by voter referendum in 1992 with revenue from a tobacco excise tax, operates a comprehensive set of public health initiatives targeting three goals: preventing youth initiation, persuading /helping smokers to quit, and protecting non-smokers from environmental tobacco smoke (ETS).
Local programs include policy based initiatives funded to pass and enforce local regulations, i.e., Boards of Health, Community Mobilization Networks, and Youth Development Programs; and Tobacco Treatment Services for adults, youth, and at-risk populations. Statewide services in support of local programs include a nationally recognized media campaign, materials and training support, telephone- and Internet- based cessation services, and cessation counseling certification.
MTCP has shown progress toward all of its targeted goals. According to BRFSS data, the relative risk of smoking among Massachusetts adults was 23% lower in 1999 than in 1990, a significant decline even after adjusting for gender, age, race, and education. Statewide surveys support this finding, showing a 21% decline in smoking rates since 1993 among Massachusetts adults to 17.9% in 2000. One-quarter of adult smokers who tried to quit in the last year were successful, an increased success rate of 38% since 1993.
Current smoking rates among Massachusetts high school students has declined significantly from 1995 to 1999, controlling for grade, sex, and race (YRBS). A triennial survey of adolescent youth supports these findings and shows even greater declines among junior high students (H&A).
Home exposure to ETS has decreased by 50% since 1995, while workplace exposure is one-third of 1993
Learning Objectives: Increased knowledge of comprehensive program for tobacco control. Increased understand locally based program initiatives. Use of existing data sources for program evaluation. Increased understanding of timeline for outcomes/measures.
Keywords: Tobacco Control, Tobacco Legislation
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.