Learning Objectives: Identify the assessment, education, and cessation practices provided to girls at the YRTC-Geneva, a youth correctional facility.
Abstract: Learning Objective: Identify that girls in a correctional facility are at high risk to engage in nicotine abuse, which requires a multi-dimensional treatment approach.
Abstract: Problem: Reported nicotine use by the girls points to smoking as a drug of choice. Consequently, interventions include education and cessation efforts. Among the reasons that girls are smoking appear to be related to include coping with anxiety, depression, attempting to fit in with peers, efforts to lose weight, parental use, myths surrounding child birth, and etc.
Based on 180 surveys completed since May 2002, which included youth on campus at that time plus all new admissions through April 1, 2003, the following highlights of the assessment data include:
**144 describe themselves as smokers – 80%. Of those, 45% smoked a pack or more a day.
**59% of all of the youth surveyed had mothers who smoke.
**76% of the smokers reported that they smoke when using other substances in
connection to relapse issues and delinquent behaviors.
**100% of smokers report they smoke "when out with others"
METHODS:CESSATION IMPLEMENTATION ACTIVITIES:
The girls are being asked to integrate cessation strategies within their personal Relapse Prevention program upon release from YRTC-GENEVA.
RESULTS:FUTURE DIRECTIONS&
CONCLUSIONS:
Efforts to integrate the families in tobacco education & cessation efforts are a critical goal. The girls recognize that returning to their families of origin and peers automatically creates high risks for them to smoke.
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Back to The 2003 National Conference on Tobacco or Health (December 10-12, 2003)