Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #112875

Michele Bloch, MD, PhD, National Cancer Institute, 6130 Executive Blvd., Rm 4032, MSC 7337, Executive Plaza North, Bethesda, MD 20892-7337, 301- 496-8584, blochm@mail.nih.gov

Tobacco use remains the nation's leading cause of premature preventable death, with more than 440,000 deaths attributed to tobacco use each year in the U.S. alone. Tobacco use varies significantly between different populations and tobacco-caused disease accounts for a significant portion of cancer health disparities. Educational attainment has long been a critical factor influencing adult's smoking prevalence; progress in reducing smoking has been most rapid and deep among those with high levels of educational attainment. Poverty is a significant risk factor for smoking and prevalence is also significantly higher among some racial/ethnic groups.

As is now widely understood, tobacco control policies, such as restrictions on smoking in workplaces and public places and increased taxes on tobacco products, are critical tools to help reduce tobacco use. Research has documented the effectiveness of particular policies, however, studies have not always considered the impact and effects on diverse populations. The purpose of this roundtable session will be to discuss what is known about the effect of tobacco control policies on diverse populations, and the potential impact of tobacco policy research on decreasing health disparities. It will also consider strategies for increasing research in this area.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the role of tobacco control policy in reducing tobacco use.
• List 3 evidence based tobacco control policies and their effects on diverse populations.
• Identify strategies to increase tobacco control policy research.

Keywords: Tobacco Policy, Health Disparities

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.