Learning Objectives: Describe the level of compliance with each of the seven CDC guidelines for the prevention of tobacco use in Florida elementary schools Identify the challenges of conducting a similar evaluation in other state elementary schools
Abstract: Problem/Objective- In 1994 the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) published recommendations for the provision of school-based health programs to prevent tobacco use. The objective of this project was to complete the first statewide evaluation of compliance with these guidelines in Florida elementary schools.
Methods-In November 2000, questionnaires were mailed to principals and teachers at 612 schools selected at random from seven geographical regions in Florida. Survey response rates for these two groups were 76% and 65%, respectively.
Results- Over 90% of principals reported having school polices in place that banned student tobacco use and restricted the use of tobacco on campus by faculty and staff. Coverage of CDC-recommended tobacco use prevention education (TUPE) topics ranged from 56% to 87%; documentation of student tobacco-related attitudes and tobacco resistance skills ranged from 47% to 72%. Nearly 75% of Florida elementary schools provide the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program; all other TUPE programs were present in less than 30% of schools. The majority of students in kindergarten through the third grade had no exposure to TUPE; 41% of fourth grade students also lacked exposure to such programs. Nearly 20% of teachers reported receiving training in TUPE in the previous two years; of these 12% reported they had received more than one day of training. Parents were infrequently involved in the planning, implementation and assessment of TUPE at their school (14-16%).
Discussion- Provision of effective tobacco use prevention programs with concomitant teacher training and regular program evaluation is needed in most Florida elementary schools.
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