 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Ian M. Newman, PhD, Department of Health and Human Performance, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 257 Mabel Lee Hall, P.O.Box 880229, Lincoln, NE 688588-0229, 402-472-3844, inewman1@unl.edu, Lazarus Mbulo, MPhil, MSC, Department of Health & Human Performance, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, P. O. Box 880229, 245 Mabel Lee Hall, Lincoln, NE 68588-0229, and Charlotte Burke, MS, Health Promotion and Outreach Division, Lincoln/Lancaster County Health Department, 3140 N Street, Lincoln, NE 68510.
This paper reports the evaluation of an eighteen-month countywide public education campaign designed to increase awareness of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) and acceptance of local legislation to reduce ETS.
A random digit dialing telephone survey was completed prior to the education campaign (N=501) and eighteen months later at the end of the campaign (N=510). The educational intervention was designed and conducted by a local coalition of agencies committed to reducing ETS.
Results suggested a significant increase in the number of respondents who experienced second-hand smoke but no change in attitudes towards second-hand smoke. This increased awareness was most evident among females and those with less education. There was a significant increase in support for legislation restricting smoking in restaurants and recreational settings like bowling centers where young people spend time. This increased support was most evident among the higher educated, the non-smokers and the younger and the older persons interviewed. There was no significant increase in support for policies restricting smoking in bars or workplaces. Nor was there significantly increased acceptance for a government role in protecting citizens from second-hand smoke. The implications of these findings for public policy development are discussed.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Public Health Education, Public Health Legislation
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.