Smoke-free Policies: Strong Support among High School Students

Kandra, Kelly

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Exhibit Hall (Kansas City Convention Center)

Dr. Kelly Kandra, PhD , Psychology, Department of Psychology, Benedictine University, Lisle, IL

Ms. Anna McCullough, MSW, MSPH , Tobacco Prevention Evaluation Program, Department of Family Medicine, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC

Dr. Leah Ranney, PhD , Tobacco Prevention and Evaluation Program, Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC

Dr. Adam Goldstein, MD, MPH , Tobacco Prevention and Evaluation Program, Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this presentation attendees will be able to:

Demonstrate knowledge of youth attitudes towards smoke-free policies in indoor and outdoor public places, as well private places such as vehicles, homes, and work environments.

Cross Cutting Program Area(s): Evaluation and Surveillance and Youth

Audience:

State and local health departments and anyone who works in youth advocacy and initiatives.

Key Points:

In the United States, little is known about youth attitudes towards smoke-free policies. These data come from the 2009 high school administration of the North Carolina Youth Tobacco Survey (overall high school response rate is 79.2% with n = 3301 high school students participating). Results show that the majority of high school students support smoke-free policies across all venues. Support for smoke-free policies is also strong for several venues among current smokers and those who want to stop smoking cigarettes.

Educational Experience:

Participants join interactive small groups, by smoke-free policy type, to discuss, apply, and problem-solve smoke-free policy adoption challenges. Participants will leave with talking points for youth support for various smoke-free policies and possible next steps for encouraging universal smoke-free legislation.

Benefits:

This presentation provides information on how youth support limiting exposure to secondhand smoke. Information on smoke-free policies in various state and local ordnances will also be presented.

230 Smoke-free Policies: Strong Support among High School Students