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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Jonathan B. VanGeest, PhD, WellStar College of Health and Human Services, Kennesaw State University, 1000 Chastain Road (#5300), Kennesaw, GA 30144, 678-797-2035, jvangees@kennesaw.edu and Carolyn Jones, Association of Black Cardiologists, Inc., 5355 Hunter Road, Atlanta, GA 30349.

Research has identified environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is an important and preventable cause of morbidity and mortality from a number of diseases, including lung cancer and cardiovascular disease. African Americans are at greatest risk of ETS exposure and smoking-related morbidity and mortality compared to non-Hispanic whites. Not in Mama's Kitchen (NIMK) is a domestic second-hand smoke prevention campaign designed to reduce ETS exposure in African American communities. This study evaluates a NIMK campaign in Georgia conducted by the Association of Black Cardiologists, Inc. using baseline program data and data from a random sample of 1,000 campaign participants. By all accounts, the intervention was successful, resulting in over 14,000 Georgians signing pledge cards prohibiting smoking in their homes, cars, or around their children. Survey respondents also reported following through with their pledge, with large majorities restricting or banning tobacco use in their homes and/or cars following participation in the campaign. NIMK was influential in educating participants about the dangers of environmental tobacco smoke. It was also judged to be instrumental to their commitment to restrict smoking in the domestic environment. Program participants even became advocates, talking to extended family and/or friends about the dangers of ETS and encouraging them to make their own homes smoke-free. Finally, a large minority of respondents reported accessing the state's tobacco Quit Line, either using it themselves or referring a family member or friend. Data, however, did highlight the need to incorporate the program into comprehensive strategies to address tobacco use within African American communities.

Learning Objectives:

• define ETS;
• identify the health risks associaed with exposure to secondhand smoke; and
• evaluate the impact of the Not in Mama's Kitchen ETS prevention campaign in African American communities in Georgia.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered