Young adult tobacco program (YATO): Developing a model for tobacco cessation

According to CDC, smoking prevalence among young adults (18-24 yrs) increased from 1991-2002 and remains the age group with the highest smoking prevalence. Smoking prevalence remains high, despite known risks related to tobacco use, policies prohibiting smoking in public places and smoking cessation programs.

Objective: Study was designed to develop cessation interventions for multi-ethnic, young adults (18-24 years old) who are not full-time college students. The initiative involved a participatory process which gathered input from peer educators and focus groups participants to assist in the development of tobacco cessation intervention strategies that will address values, social, health, and economic justice issues. Methods: A mixed methods program evaluation design was employed to assess program planning, implementation, and outcomes. NVivo 7, computer text-analysis software for managing data manipulation processes, was used to organize the focus group data, support the text analysis and interpretation of focus group data. Results: Preliminary impressions from focus group discussions suggest that effective intervention strategies for young adults in Montgomery County should: (1) not necessarily focus on culture or ethnic specific issues but rather on socio economic, gender and age characteristics; (2) consider workplace interventions (both brief and longer term); (3)include education on the physical and psychological elements of addiction and the history of tobacco; (4)be aware that quit attempts by this population are rarely planned and do not involve the use of NRT; (5)consider the importance of support through family and friends; (6)consider the financial burden of smoking and the strength of financial incentives.