This study assessed the level of integration of the ecological approach in Canadian public health organizations' tobacco control programs for youth. The study was based on an ecological model of health promotion that identified intervention settings, targets, and strategies as key dimensions of an ecological approach to programs. Of all the regional public health organizations which had an ongoing tobacco program for youth in the twelve months prior to the study (n=148), 129 agreed to participate, for a response rate of 87%. Program descriptions were obtained by telephone interview. A coding scheme was applied to the data to identify intervention settings, targets, and strategies for each program. Results showed that the mean number of settings included in the programs was 3.0 (S.D.=1.3). School and community were by far the intervention settings most often used. The number of different intervention strategies ranged from 1 to 8, with a mean of 3.6 (S.D.=1.7). While youths themselves were very frequently the direct targets of the programs, the interpersonal and organizational environments were also often targeted. Community and political environments were targeted as well although less often. Overall, the level of integration of the ecological approach was deemed high. Canadian public health organizations' tobacco programs aimed at youth are evolving toward a more comprehensive agenda.
Learning Objectives: 1) Identify what is an ecological approach to tobacco programs; 2) Articulate the procedure used to assess the level of integration of the ecological approach in health promotion programs; 3) Characterize the level of integration of the ecological approach in Canadian public health organizations'tobacco programs for youth
Keywords: Public Health Service, Tobacco Control
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
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.