20th Annual Student Research Conference
Human Potential and Performance
"A Tobacco Education and Cessation Program Following the Key Elements of Successful Alternative Schools: A Pilot Program"
Laura E. Kresl*, Chaeli A. Dougherty, Peter M. Guirguis, Carolyn R. DeCarli, Weslee Chew, and Bryan A. Campbell
Dr. Carol Cox, Faculty Mentor
Alternative education students report more tobacco use than their counterparts in regular education programs, possibly due to a lack of programming specifically targeted to tobacco education and cessation for alternative school students. Gammans modified the Tobacco-Free Missouri Tobacco Cessation Program (a six-week long, highly interactive, small-group based program) to emphasize the key elements of successful alternative education programs. The program was implemented in a rural, Northeast Missouri alternative education high school as a voluntary, ‘pull-out’ program for smokers. After examination, the enhanced program did not seem to affect participants’ first and most frequent tobacco use. During a later follow-up reactive evaluation interview, a few participants conveyed that they did quit using tobacco products since the conclusion of the program. Although this pilot project demonstrated mixed results for attitude or behavior change, further research is needed to identify types of interventions that would be most effective with at-risk, alternative school populations.
Keywords: tobacco education, tobacco cessation , alternative school
Topic(s):Health Science
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 2-24
Location: OP Lobby
Time: 4:15 pm