4151.0: Tuesday, October 23, 2001 - 1:00 PM

Abstract #26705

Design and implementation of a smoking prevention program specifically tailored to Latino Teenagers in a US-Mexico border school district in Texas

Luis F. Vélez, MD, MPH1, Patricia Chalela, MPH2, and Amelie G. Ramirez, DrPH2. (1) Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, 6560 Fannin St., Suite 924, Houston, TX 77030, 713-798-4184, lvelez@bcm.tmc.edu, (2) Chronic Disease Prevention and Control Research Center, Dept. of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, 8207 Callaghan, #110, San Antonio, TX 78230

Smoking among US-Mexico border Latino teenagers has received little attention, despite the increased interest in tobacco control all over the nation. Laredo Independent School District covers one of the most underserved communities in Texas, and school performance and drop out rates are major concerns. These risk factors, added to the increased tobacco marketing to Latino children, and the easy access to tobacco products in the Mexican bordering cities, make these teenagers a high-risk population. A survey was conducted with 2,500 Middle and High School students, showing an overall lifetime prevalence of smoking of 31.7% and a rate of daily smoking of 3.8%. Smoking doubled between 12 and 13 years of age (18 to 37%), and 68% had tried cigarettes by age 18. Daily consumption peaked at 15 and reached a plateau after that. Males were more likely to smoke than females. To prevent initiation and reduce tobacco use, a participatory interpersonal communication and mass media campaign particularly tailored to the preferences, beliefs and social interactions of border Latino teenagers was implemented. Process and outcome evaluation yielded specific recommendation for the development of smoking prevention programs for Latino children. See chronic.bcm.tmc.edu

Learning Objectives: 1. Identify specific risk factors for smoking among Latino youth in an US-Mexico border city. 2. Recognize the particular characteristics of Latino teenagers as participants of smoking prevention programs. 3. Discuss campaign components that are essential in the design and implementation of health promotion programs involving Latino youth.

Keywords: Smoking, Latinos

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Control, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.
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.

The 129th Annual Meeting of APHA