PDF: Presentation Shawna Frolick

Learning OutcomesIn this session, participants will:understand the need to continue to address tobacco use insecondary schools.identify key components needed to implement effectiveyouth tobacco cessation strategies.increase awareness of the benefits and successes ofcollaboration practices to implement effective public healthinitiatives.

BackgroundTobacco use is a significant issue for youth.Much of best practice/evidence for cessation available,deals with the adult population.Spit Tobacco - flavouredSnusHookah (water pipes)

Setting the StageSecondary School nestled within residential neighbourhood.Longstanding history.School involved in Tobacco Prevention initiatives.Progress needed to fully address issue.

Collaboration of Healthy SchoolsProgram and Tobacco ProgramHealth issues identified as being aproblem at the school (all respondents) Smoking/chewing tobacco was #2.Smoking marijuana was #1.The single health issue you want most tosee addressed (all respondents) Smoking/chewing tobacco was #1.Tobacco was also the top student healthissue identified.

Together We CanStudents, Guidance, Administration, Teachers, PublicHealth NursesHart’s Ladder of Participation Youth engagement strategies implementedMinistry of Health Promotion – High School Grant Funding

If we build it, they will comeCreate excitementRecruitment andregistrationMedia coverageImplement the program

In the beginningOne lunch hour per week for one month (4-5 sessions).Each session divided into four parts: attendance food and info activity free time

AttendanceReminders sent for each session.General PA announcement read the day of the programAttendance taken for tracking purposes

FoodHealthy Food ChoicesWelcoming EnvironmentRelaxed Atmosphere

Info“I learn what I believe as I hear myself speak” Bill MillerAlways InteractiveCessation Intervention strategies implemented.Smokelyzer – CO testing

Method to the MadnessThemes/Info discussed at each sessionis purposeful and evidence-based inthe Smoking Cessation literature andinclude:Decisional Balance – pros and consWhat Does Smoking CostConfidence, Importance, ReadinessOther successes they have had in otherareas of their lifeTobacco Industry Denormalizationmessages“How has your smoking changed sincelast week?”

Activity – Students’ ChoicePurpose was to allow students the opportunity to try anactivity that they could then substitute for smoking:KickboxingBoard/Card GamesArts and Crafts – painting, sketching, knitting, crochetingGaming – Guitar Hero, Dance RevolutionTeacher – Guest Speaker

Free TimeSessions ended 15 minutesprior to the beginning of thenext class to respect theirneed for “down time”.

Incentives and GiveawaysQuit KitsCafeteria cardsSugar-free gum and candySwag

AcknowledgementWhat was deemed “success”?Attending/regularlyParticipatingBehaviour Change (Stages of Change) Reducing Quitting

CelebrateCertificate of Participation was presented by the principalat the final session.Students were recognized for their success.

From Program to ClubBegan as two programs a year (fall and spring) for 2.5 years.Transition.Now is a regular school club with a staff advisor and meetsregularly following same principles.

Quit Club – Together We CanA successful, innovative and fun youth-centred tobaccocessation club can be implemented and sustained withthe collaboration and partnership between health unitprogram teams and the school.

Thank YouQuestions/Comments?Shawna Frolick, R.N., B.Sc.N., M.Ed.Public Health Nurse - Healthy Living ServiceSimcoe Muskoka District Health Unit575 West Street South, Unit 12Orillia, ON L3V 7N6shawna.frolick@smdhu.org705-325-9565 ext. 7535toll free: 1-877-721-7520 ext. 7535