Poster Presentation
Thursday, July 12, 2007
9:30 AM - 10:15 AM
Thursday, July 12, 2007
3:15 PM - 4:00 PM
Implementation of a Smoking Prevention Initiative
Sylvia J. Sheffler, DNSc, Nursing, Delaware State University, Dover, DE, USA
| Learning Objective #1: describe the use of peer educators in a smoking prevention program. |
| Learning Objective #2: describe how to implement a smoking prevention program on a college campus. |
Smoking and its adverse effect on health is a global problem that continues to grow unabated. According to statistics cited by the World Health Organization (2002) Asia, Europe and the Pacific continue to see high rates of smoking. Smoking rates in the United States and England have decreased, however, the morbidity rate amongst these nations and others continue to rise. Globally, smoking-related diseases kill approximately four million people a year. These alarming statistics demonstrate a need for programs aimed at eradicating smoking with an emphasis on prevention programs geared toward children and teens. One such smoking prevention/smoking cessation program was initiated at Delaware State University. The purpose of the program was to educate college students on the effects of smoking on health, social stigma associated with smoking, media campaigns used to attract young adults to smoking and the financial impact of smoking. Additionally, it was to assess the effectiveness of peer educators. Permission to initiate this project was sought and obtained from the University IRB committee. Fifteen junior and senior nursing students volunteered as peer educators. Education sessions were held by peer educators in residence halls and in campus meeting rooms. The purpose of the program was explained and informed consent forms were distributed and signed. A gaming format was used to educate participants. A short survey collected data on subjects’ age, race, sex, year in school and if the individual smoked. Subjects were also asked if the program met stated objectives. This program will conclude in May 2007 and the results will be presented.