Recorded presentation

Jean J. E. Bonhomme, MD, MPH and Ronald L. Braithwaite, PhD. Behavioral Sciences and Health Education Department, Rollins School of Public Health of Emory University, 3915 Cascade Road, Suite 350, Atlanta, GA 30331, (404) 691-7818, jbonhom@sph.emory.edu

African-American/Black male youth are a critically important group in which to instill healthy lifestyle habits. Creating and reinforcing health promoting choices among young Black males has the potential to significantly improve the overall health status of the African-American community. Maladaptive health habits formed in youth, before the individual is able to envision the potential consequences of their behavior, may be extremely difficult to change later in life. While at extremely high risk for HIV infection, tobacco, alcohol, substance use, unintentional and intentional injuries, awareness in this group regarding potential health threats is often severely lacking. Youth tend to bounce back quickly from injuries, to feel immortal, to be very present-focused, and to be heavily influenced by peer behavior. In fall 2003, the National Black Men’s Health Network of Atlanta, Georgia delivered the “Don’t Be Fooled, Smoking Isn’t Cool” campaign to area public schools and other facilities for youth. Over 600 African-American youth between the ages of 8 and 18 participated. These youth were found to be surprisingly concerned about tobacco use and its potential effects. Factors contributing to the enthusiastic participation of African-American youth include the creative use of African drum rhythms to capture and maintain attention; rapping and chanting; focus on the immediate negative impact of tobacco use, including financial expense, and impaired athletic capability; dangers of secondhand smoke to friends and family; dangers of non-cigarette tobacco use (cigars, pipes, and chewing tobacco); and use of peer groups to promote and maintain tobacco cessation and avoidance.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to

• Recognize existing tobacco-related health threats facing African-American youth.
• Identify at least three barriers to the development of health promoting behaviors among African-American youth.
• Identify at least three approaches that could potentially facilitate engagement of African-American youth in promoting healthy behavioral habits.

Keywords: African American, Tobacco Control

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.

Recorded presentation