Thomas W. Valente, PhD, Keck School of Medicine, Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California, 1000 South Fremont, Unit 8, Room 5133, Alhambra, CA 91803, 626-457-6678, tvalente@usc.edu and Jennifer Unger, PhD, Institute for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Research, University of Southern California, 1000 S. Fremont Avenue, Unit 8, Alhambra, CA 91803.

Objective. To compare the effects of three methods for implementing a tobacco revention program in middle schools: (1) random - leaders chosen by ballot, groups constructed randomly; (2) teacher - leaders and groups created by teachers; and (3) network - leaders chosen by ballot, groups constructed by assigning students to leader they chose.

Methods. The three conditions were randomly assigned to 84 6th grade classrooms within 16 schools, 8 of which received a culturally tailored curriculum (Flavor) and 8 received a standard social influences program (Chips). Data were collected at one-year follow up from 1,486 7th grade students (75% retention) who received the curricula in 6th grade.

Results. Main effects of the curriculum and network assignments were non-significant on changes in smoking. Interaction terms of curriculum and assignment methods, however, were significant. The teacher condition was less effective than the other two with Chips (AOR=1.57, 95% CI=1.19, 2.08), yet more effective with Flavor (AOR=0.38, 95% CI=0.20, 0.72). The network condition was marginally less effective than the other two with Chips (AOR=1.34, 95% CI=0.99, 1.83), and marginally more effective with Flavor (AOR=0.49, 95% CI=0.25, 0.96).

Conclusions. School-based prevention programs should be evaluated in light of who implements the program. Even a peer–led program will be differentially effective based on who selects the peer implementers.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the contingent effectiveness of peer selection techniques and curricula.
• Learn how to implement various peer selection techniques.
• Understand the long-term effects of a schoo-based tobacco prevention curriculum and peer selection techniques

Keywords: School-Based Programs, Smoking

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.