Oral

This session will present research, programming, and policies designed to advocate prevention of tobacco use among youth and promote tobacco free schools. In Taiwan an exploratory study was done to explore the influence of Self-efficacy and decisional balance on smoking intention and behavior in children ages 11-14 years of age. Results showed girls were more likely to take-up smoking compared to boys. A presentation on the Geographic Information System (GIS) developed in Oklahoma will discuss the processes and factors that have influenced school districts in that state to adopt tobacco-free policies. An evaluation of “Crossroads,” a youth tobacco prevention play in Hawaii, will discuss the pre-posttest study design used to determine changes in 6th grade students’ knowledge, attitudes and potential behaviors related to tobacco use. Lastly, the results of a study done to assess the association between smoking and body weight among youth from a national sample of the 1999-2005 Youth Risk Behavior Survey showed the relationship between body weight and current smoking trends among American adolescents has strengthened over time.

Session Objectives: Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to (1) Articulate the results of a Taiwan study done to explore the influence of Self-efficacy and decisional balance on smoking intentions and behavior of 11-14 year-old children; (2) Discuss the Geographic Information System (GIS) used in Oklahoma to track the factors that influence school Districts to adopt tobacco-free policies; (3) Describe the pre-posttest study design used to assess the positive effects “Crossroads” had on the knowledge, attitudes, and tobacco-related behaviors of 6th grade students in Hawaii; and (4) Discuss the outcomes of a study done to assess the association between smoking and body weight among American adolescents.

CE Credits: CME, Health Education (CHES), Nursing