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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Phyllis M. Gingiss, DrPH, Department of Health and Human Performance, University of Houston, Texas Tobacco Prevention Initiative, Houston, TX 77204, 713/743-9843, pmgingiss@uh.edu and Cindy Roberts-Gray, PhD, Resource Network, 3002 Avenue O-1/2, Galveston, TX 77550-6858.
To (1) identify baseline status of readiness to implement school-based elements of the Texas Tobacco Prevention Initiative and (2) diagnose environmental, organization, work unit, and implementer factors which may influence likelihood of successful program use, a written questionnaire was distributed to 125 schools receiving funding from Texas Department of Health for Tobacco Use Prevention Education (TUPE). The survey was based on Bridge-It, an eight-factor model for diagnosing likelihood of successful implementation within three years. Participants represented 93 secondary schools in 37 districts. About half of schools noted the following assets: a) TUPE was viewed as an improvement over current initiatives and fairly easy to implement; b) TUPE was reported to be at least moderately compatible with student needs; c) staff was willing to try TUPE, actively involved in student health issues, and believed use was compatible with their professional identities; and d) TUPE had the support of a "champion" at district level. Potential barriers included: a) TUPE was low/not among principal priorities (> 50%); d) b) <15% reported processes in place to support implementation (e.g., staff training, program monitoring and feedback, multiple two-way communication channels, and written plans); c) staffing, funding and time were seen to be inadequate; and d) possible opposition or lack of support from parents/community was noted at more than half of the schools. Recommendations for training and technical assistance to improve likelihood of successful implementation will be provided.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant wil be able to
Keywords: School-Based Programs, Tobacco Control
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.