The Oklahoma State Department of Health implemented a statewide Youth Tobacco Survey in early 1999. While these data are important in evaluating statewide tobacco prevention and control efforts, county-specific baseline estimates of tobacco knowledge, attitudes, and behavior among youth are needed for monitoring trends and evaluating programs at the community level. Using the model for a statewide Youth Tobacco Survey, we implemented this surveillance system in six counties in Oklahoma. These six counties were targeted for comprehensive tobacco intervention and included the two major metropolitan areas in the state and four counties, each with one major city and a significant rural population. In each of the six counties, we randomly selected approximately 20 schools, including both middle and high schools, to be included in the sample. Approximately 1500 students were surveyed in each county. This presentation will focus on the model used to implement the county Youth Tobacco Surveys, recommendations for planning community-level surveys, obstacles encountered along the way, and strategies used to overcome these difficulties. Survey results will be presented and the use of the data for surveillance and evaluation at the local level will be emphasized.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant in this session will be able to: 1. Recognize the utility of the YTS as a source of local level surveillance and evaluation data. 2. Assess the application of local level data to program planning and evaluation
Keywords: Tobacco, Tobacco Control
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Office of Tobacco Use Prevention, Oklahoma State Department of Health
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.