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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Catherine M. Sherwood-Puzzello, HSD¹, Kristin Hobson, MPH², and Nicole Smith, MPH, CHES¹. (1) Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University, 1025 E. 7th Street, HPER 116, Bloomington, IN 47405, 812-855-2673, csherwoo@indiana.edu, (2) Chronic Disease, Indiana State Department of Health, 2 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204

Twenty-two percent of high school and eight percent of middle school students smoke cigarettes, and approximately 1,500 adoelscents every day initiate daily smoking (CDC, 2004; DHHS, 2005). Children's museums have become a popular choice for school field trips due to the availability of various educational experiences. More recently, children's museums have incorporated health education programs, which complement school-based health curricula. This study examined the implementation of an antitobacco education exhibit at a children's museum. The “Don't Start” tobacco education exhibit is an interactive kiosk with three compoenents - a music video, a slide-show of tobacco facts, and interviews with community members discussing the health risks of smoking – targeting children ages eight to twelve. To evaluate the visitors' reactions toward the exhbit, data was collected via exit interviews and observations during May and June, 2005. Study results indicated the majority of visitors interacting with the exhibit were children within the target age group. The children spent most of their time watching the music video and manipulating all of the buttons. Children suggested that the exhibit include more “hands on things,” and include pictoral representation and facts on the effects of smoking on the body as well as developing a new rap video. Parents articulated the information was too advanced for children in the target age group, and the facts should be simplified. Data from this study indicates that the use of interactive kiosks at children's museums are innovative mechanisms for health education programs targeting school age children.

Learning Objectives: