The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #70730

Julie Breen, BA¹, Robert Cameron McMillen, PhD², and Arthur C. Cosby, PhD¹. (1) Social Science Research Center, Mississippi State University, 103 Research Park, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (2) Social Science Research Center, 103 Research Park, Mississippi State, MS 39762, 662.325.2742, robert.mcmillen@ssrc.msstate.edu

The National Social Climate Survey of Tobacco Control (SCS-TC) measures and ultimately monitors the fundamental position of tobacco control in a society. This annual cross-sectional survey monitors progress towards intermediate goals such as changes in policy, social norms, exposure of individuals to ETS, and the impact of pro-tobacco influences within important societal institutions, such as the household, education, work place, and recreational settings. Data were collected via telephone interviews with a simple random sample of 1,503 adults in 2000, 3,002 adults in 2001, and 3,009 adults in 2002. Data will also be collected from a representative sample of 3,000 U.S. adults in the late summer of 2003. From 2000 to 2002, over 45% of the items contained in the SCS-TC showed significant positive changes indicating the recognition of the direct and indirect dangers of tobacco and environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). Positive changes were also seen from 2001 to 2002 in over 29% of the items in the SCSTC. Throughout all three of the years, positive changes were present in six of the seven social institutions, with many regarding smoking in the home, support for higher taxes on tobacco, prohibition of smoking in hospitals, schools, and work areas, and changes in and support for smoking bans in public areas such as restaurants and shopping malls. Discussions regarding the SCS-TC will highlight such changes in the social climate of tobacco in these four years following the Master Settlement Agreement.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the potential of this social climate approach for tobacco control efforts
• Describe changes in the social climate over the past four years

Keywords: Tobacco Control, Survey

Related Web page: www.ssrc.msstate.edu/socialclimate

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.