Although cigarette smoking is the leading cause of disease and death for all racial groups in the United States, African Americans bear the greatest burden for health risks. Many of the past formal smoking cessation interventions had been initiated in the white middle class population. This study aimed to evaluate a pilot project developed around a modified version of the American Cancer Society’s Fresh Start Program to train the trainers in facilitating smoking cessation programs for a low-income predominately African American community in Omaha, NE. A group of 26 volunteers were recruited to participate in the modified Fresh Start “Train the Trainers” program for smoking cessation with 14 completing the training session. The two-phase training session incorporated the constructs of the Stages of Change Model and Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) including self-efficacy for conducting training, and outcome expectations, and behavioral capability. The instrument utilized was a 29-item questionnaire designed to measure the variables on the participants’ perceived knowledge, outcome expectations, and their self-efficacy on conducting smoking cessation classes. The self reported behavior of the trainees to organize and conduct smoking cessation programs was also measured. Results highlighted statistically significant changes in knowledge, outcome expectations, and self-efficacy (p < 0.05) between pre-test, post-test, and follow-up indicating a successful training program. No significance was noted for change in behavior underscoring the need for addressing the implementation and environmental issues in order to sustain the success of the program.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation the participants will be able to: 1. Develop a tailor-made theory-based training program for lay health volunteers to facilitate smoking cessation training in African American communities. 2. Build specific psychometric tools to evaluate the process and impact of a lay health volunteer training program designed for African American communities. 3. Evaluate the process and impact of a lay health volunteer training program designed for African American communities.
Keywords: Smoking Cessation, Minorities
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: American Cancer Society
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.