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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Sharon P. Brown, PhD(c), MPH, MN, Public Health and Epidemiology, University of California-Irvine, 400 Gass Rd, Wexford, PA 15090, 724-940-9325, spbrown@uci.edu

Prevention of children's use of tobacco and other substances has been the focus of many prevention strategies, and has accounted for millions of dollars spent to enhance these efforts. However, children are still initiating use of these substances with diminishing decline in prevalence, which is particularly troublesome regarding the use of tobacco. The role that parental tobacco use has played in this decline has been given little notice, despite this negative role modeling, as well as continued exposure of children to harmful effects of ETS. To provide an understanding of reasons for these risky behaviors, this researcher designed the current longitudinal, descriptive, epidemiological, and school-based study to assess the perceptions of health risks of both elementary and middle school students. Outcome measures were 1) intent to use tobacco and other substances within six months, and 2) actual use of tobacco and other substances. The assessment tool was developed [ 2 versions] and administered in school classrooms via self-report. Parental tobacco usage and demographics were also measured by self-report in order to link the child/parent responses. Sample populations were gathered from NC (n=413 [elementary], n=382 [middle school]), with smaller CA samples (n~500). Approximately 1/3 (NC) have been reassessed to determine if/when any changes occur./Initial findings reflect: Parental tobacco usage was seen to be an influence in almost ½ of the homes [47%], with the majority of these parents stating that they smoked frequently./Children had difficulty in determining the true degree of risk associated with ETS/Differences are seen between age, gender, and ethnicities regarding perceptions of the risk associated with these substances, with risk of alcohol by age group the most significant [F= 2.43, p=.047]. Further analyses will look at other factors that might influence the children's risk perceptions within these variables, as well as the differences that might be seen with an older sample of youth, aged 12 to14 years (middle school). /Parental tobacco usage needs to be factored into any prevention policy efforts, especially since it is a known carcinogen. Differences seen in perceptions should be addressed in developing specific interventions for these health risk behaviors.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Describe children's perception of the risk of being exposed to ETS by age & gender;
• Recognize the influence of parental tobacco use on these perceptions of risk; and
• Suggest several ways health care providers can utilize these findings in strengthening the anticipatory guidance given client families

Keywords: Prevention, Risk Taking Behavior

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered