 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Carolyn C. Johnson, PhD1, Neil W. Boris, MD1, Larry S. Webber, PhD2, Leann Myers, PhD2, Kiana Andrew, MPH1, Erin Fitzgerald, MPH1, Dixye Brewer, MA1, and Julie Lents-Sutton, MS1. (1) Community Health Sciences, Tulane University School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine, 1440 Canal St., 23rd Floor, New Orleans, LA 70112, 504-585-4068, cjohnso5@tulane.edu, (2) Department of Biostatistics, Tulane University School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine, 1440 Canal St., 20th Floor, New Orleans, LA 70112
ACTT is a randomized controlled cohort tobacco prevention program in 20 high schools in south central Louisiana, and the only tobacco prevention program funded by Louisiana Master Settlement Agreement funds. The challenge has been to design and implement a program without curriculum or sustained classroom time, forcing a cohort intervention into a schoolwide program. Evaluating the implementation process, therefore, is critical for understanding participation, exposure and receptivity. Activities over three semesters included: 2 teacher workshops, 2 cohort classroom activities, and 6 schoolwide activities. Included also were monthly posters and weekly PSAs. The cohort received the introduction (60-100% participation) and baseline measurement (86.4-100%); non-cohort students had less awareness and motivation to participate (participation <1%-95%) with a wide range of participation across schools and activities. Teacher workshops were well attended and well received. Passive activities (classroom implemented) had higher participation than schoolwide activities implemented in common areas and requiring active initiation and engagement by students. Comments by students overall have been positive and helpful. Process evaluation efforts have provided guidelines for continued implementation of a tobacco prevention program constrained by logistical and administrative limitations. This may be the future for extracurricular health education in publicly-funded schools and lessons learned will help shape high school health education and health promotion efforts.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Tobacco, School-Based Programs
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.