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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Ellen Hahn, DNS, RN and Carol Riker, MSN, RN. Tobacco Research and Prevention Program, University of Kentucky College of Nursing and College of Public Health, 760 Rose Street, Lexington, KY 40536-0232, 859-257-2358, ejhahn00@email.uky.edu

The presentation will include a description of the evidence-based, dissemination and implementation model used to promote local smoke-free policies in a rural, tobacco-growing state. The Kentucky Center for Smoke-free Policy (KCSP) uses a community readiness model to guide development of tailored interventions to promote smoke-free policy in rural communities. The intervention has three major elements: translating and disseminating information, building capacity, and building demand for smoke-free policy. In 2005, KCSP collaborated with 23 communities (14 rural). Six proposed, advanced, or enacted smoke-free policy. Data from completed readiness assessments were analyzed and evidence-based strategies were developed based on each community's stage of readiness. Twelve communities received competitive funding to conduct community-based research and/or education programs. Seven of 12 conducted air quality studies; two of 12 implemented and disseminated data from public opinion polls; others focused on educating the community. The intervention meets an unfulfilled need to help rural communities strategically plan and implement evidence-based smoke-free policy campaigns that are culturally sensitive. Our program meets communities where they are and addresses their immediate needs - whether coalition building, public education, legal/regulatory issues, or addressing the opposition. Numerous products are shared with community partners including a Smoke-free Policy Toolkit, a Coalition Guidebook, and scientific research. Rural residents are more likely to be exposed to secondhand smoke than urban, reflecting a rural-urban disparity. The intervention is replicable in other rural underserved areas of the U.S.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Describe the structure and function of the Kentucky Center for Smoke-free Policy in the context of a rural, tobacco-growing state.
• Discuss effective dissemination and implementation strategies for smoke-free policy development in rural areas based on community readiness.
• Analyze findings from air quality studies, public opinion polls, and policymaker and community readiness assessments related to smoke-free policy development.

Keywords: Tobacco Policy, Tobacco

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No