College students are one of the fastest growing populations of tobacco users. STRIKE (Student Tobacco Reform Initiative Knowledge for Eternity) is a program designed to increase awareness about the risks associated with tobacco use, encourage smoking cessation and prevent initiation of use among this population. It was developed and funded through the Office of Tobacco Control, Florida Department of Health. The University of Central Florida is one of six pilot sites for this program.
Students enrolled in an undergraduate Community Health course partnered with the Peer Education Division of Student Health Services, to plan, publicize and participate in the STRIKE component of the annual Campus Wellness Expo. This Expo attracts some 2,500 to 3,000 participants. Under the guidance of faculty and the campus STRIKE campus coordinators, students worked as part of a 3-member team, and were responsible for drafting a plan of action which included goals and objectives, selection of one of 6 target audiences and development of mass media designed to deliver STRIKE messages to their targeted audience. Students were required to publicize the event through creatively designed flyers and brochures, public service announcements, newsletters and web pages. In addition, students were to design an educational poster for display on the day of the event.
This presentation includes a detailed description of the collaborative process and the results of the process evaluation conducted by both students and STRIKE coordinators. The presentation will also include a discussion of challenges and lessons learned from this project.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the presentation, the participants will be able to 1) Describe the components of Project STRIKE 2)Identify 3 challenges to implementing Tobacco awareness program for college students
Keywords: Tobacco Control, College Students
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: University of Central Florida
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Project funding provided by the Office of Tobacco Control, Florida Department of Health.
The program is housed at the Campus Wellness Center, University of Central Florida.