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

Abstract #70825

Stephanie H. Herbers, BA, Douglas Luke, PhD, Lisa M. Hepp, BS, Melissa J. Krauss, MPH, and Nancy Mueller, MPH. School of Public Health, Saint Louis University, 3545 Lafayette Ave, Suite 300, St. Louis, MO 63104

While states are striving for a more comprehensive approach to tobacco control, the dynamic political and financial state climates significantly influence their ability to implement comprehensive programs. These influences can differ greatly from state to state, resulting in varying success of tobacco control efforts. We will present the results from a study, funded by the CDC and American Legacy Foundation, that is conducting a process evaluation of state tobacco control programs. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected via interviews with key tobacco control agencies and partners in 10 states. These states represented different geographic regions, level of program maturity, and presence of tobacco farming. Some of the items measured included the political party in power, the level of support for tobacco control from the political leadership, how the Governor prioritized tobacco control relative to other political issues, the presence of tobacco control champions, the influence of the tobacco industry, the existence of a recent excise tax increase, the proportion of Master Settlement funds allocated to tobacco control, the existence of a state budget crisis, and the threat of securitization of future settlement payments. Data were analyzed to determine the similarities and differences in the political and financial environments across states, and their influence on the states' abilities to implement comprehensive programs. This presentation will highlight these comparisons, giving the audience a more complete picture of the complex financial and political environments impacting state tobacco control programs.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to:
• 1)Describe the political and financial environments of 10 state tobacco control programs
• 2)Compare and contrast the political and financial factors that impact the ability to implement a comprehensive state tobacco control program across 10 states

Keywords: Tobacco Control, Evaluation

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.