Peterborough School-Based Cessation & School Connectedness Pilot Project 2014 Knowledge Exchange Forum Wednesday June 18 th, 2014 Mary Pat Fasken Peterborough County-City Health Unit
72% of Peterborough students who use tobacco products were trying to quit Peterborough s Model: WHAT did we know? Those same students were less likely to view the school as a place that cared Source: Youth Smoking Survey, 2011
Peterborough s Model: WHAT can we do and HOW? Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (KPRDSB) Peterborough City-County Health Unit (PCCHU) Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board (PVNCCDSB) innovative in-school tobacco cessation and school connectedness pilot project The main objectives for students: 1. to improve student sense of connectedness to their school. 2. to support behaviour change towards a tobacco-free life.
Program Outline 7 week peer-to-peer model brings students (Grade 9-12) together in a trusting space for 30 minutes over the lunch hour to discuss topics they feel are of importance related to their use of tobacco, including quit attempts. Guiding Themes: Session 1. Thinking about Quitting: Motivate Yourself Session 2. What to Expect When Going Without Tobacco: Know Yourself Session 3. How Can you Deal With Stress? Session 4. Getting Support: Create A Positive Environment for Yourself Session 5. Preparing for Change Session 6. How Can I Stay Smoke-Free? Session 7. Evaluation / Celebrating Changes!
Evaluation Tools
Evaluation Tools
Outcomes and Results Phase 1 (Jan June 2012), 4 schools Phase 2 (Oct 2012 Jan 2013), 2 schools Over 100 students Average attendance = 8-10 students Student engagement levels =HIGH (average 8 out of 10) 90% of the participants reported that they tried to quit or reduce use during the pilot timeframe Students reported feeling more accepted by other students and teachers at the end of the program. Phase 3 (Feb 2013 June 2013), 4 schools, 1 community group Students self reported reduced smoking behaviour and making active quit attempts during the program Acknowledgement - Program Evaluation: Janet Hunter, Charterfield Consulting www.chaterfield.ca
Outcomes and Results Increased student knowledge of cessation techniques Enhanced relationships Increased opportunity for school staff to reach those at-risk. Increased participation by students who are less likely to participate in classroom discussions and attend non-mandatory learning opportunities. Reduced tobacco use
30 minute session in 30 seconds In 10 seconds, think of as many things as you can about: The pros of smoking? The cons of smoking? Readiness Ruler
Scoop on Tobacco
School-Based Cessation: Buy-in from all levels (KPR & PVNC School Board reps, teachers, Health Unit staff -MOH/management/School Health Liaison) KPRDSB Smoke-Free Environment Policy facilitate the provision of cessation programs for students and/or staff who wish to quit smoking Shared program development (i.e., modified evaluation based on principal/teacher feedback include educational objectives connectedness, shortened to 30 minute sessions) Utilizing best practices/frameworks Youth Engagement Principles, Transtheoretical Model (stages of change), Social Capital theory, Motivational Interviewing Co-facilitated model Health Unit staff and school staff Flexibility of implementation across settings expansion into community settings Opportunity to integrate prevention and protection messaging Funding for food and incentives!! Lessons Learned
For More Information contact: Mary Pat Fasken, Public Health Nurse, Tobacco Use Prevention Peterborough County-City Health Unit mpfasken@pcchu.ca (705)743-1000 ext. 217