Efforts to promote tobacco cessation skills training to a variety of target audiences have still not resulted in broad-based access to tobacco cessation services. This presentation will relate initial experience and results from the Arizona Cessation Training and Evaluation project, a tri-university collaboration to increase effectiveness and prevalence of community-based tobacco cessation interventions through a 3-tiered tobacco skills certification model. The model utilizes an process of curriculum development that enhances community capacity, networking and buy-in as well as content founded on evidence-based best practices in tobacco cessation. Three roles addressed in this certification model include Basic Tobacco Cessation Skills for persons delivering brief interventions in the context of another service; Tobacco Cessation Specialist for professionals delivering intensive tobacco cessation interventions; and Tobacco Cessation Specialist Trainer for those responsible for program planning. A complementary series of “systems training” curricula address skills relevant to policy change and marketing of tobacco cessation services on organizational level. As of December 31, 1999, 1075 individuals received certificates in Basic Skills or Tobacco Specialist, and 190 in systems training. The population trained closely mirrors the ethnic diversity of Arizona (68% White, 21% Hispanic, 5% Native American, 3% African American), and the rural population of the state is represented at double the general population rate. Pre-post, 3, and 6 month measures of knowledge and self-efficacy showed statistically-significant increases. Trainers have stepped forward from a variety of community organizations, schools, and health agencies, and analysis of the characteristics of trainers and trainees indicate broad diffusion into local communities.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session the participant will be able to describe and assess the outcomes of a statewide community-based tobacco cessation certification program
Keywords: Tobacco Control, Certification
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: University of Arizona, Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, Arizona Department of Health Services Tobacco Education and Prevention Program, Arizona Area Health Education Centers
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employment at University of Arizona, funded by Arizona Department of Health Services Tobacco Education and Prevention Program