2003 Abstracts
EFFECTS OF SECONDHAND TOBACCO EDUCATION IN HEAD START PARENTSApril Badger BS, CRT, Mandy Goldsmith BS, CRT, Deborah Cullen EdD, RRT, FAARC Respiratory Therapy Program, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana and Sara Connor-Brown MPH, RRT, CHES Marion County Health Department, Indianapolis, Indiana.
Background- In view of the fact that Indiana is the fourth leading state for smoking, it was decided that a research study should be conducted to evaluate various educational methods for low income families on the hazards of secondhand smoke. Additionally, secondhand smoke is the primary cause of preventable death. In recent studies, secondhand smoke has been linked to tooth decay in children.
Methodology- Head-Start families served as a convenience sample for this study. The purpose of this study was to compare learning outcomes for two methods of health education. A total of 26 head-start parents and caregivers participated. Fifteen participants were given less detailed pamphlets on the harmful effects of secondhand smoke while 11 participants were given a more in-depth powerpoint handout including all information in the pamphlet. A pre-test/post-test was conducted and consisted of 10 true or false questions. Test results were compared to determine whether any difference between the instructional methods exists.
Results- Results are displayed in Table one.
Conclusions- There is no clear appreciable difference between the pamphlet and powerpoint presentations. However, a brief intervention with families increases the awareness of hazardous effects of secondhand smoke specifically related to children.
Table 1.
| Mean | Standard Deviation | Average Increase in Score | |
| Pamphlet | 24% | ||
| Pre-Test | 6 | 2.3 | |
| Post-Test | 8 | 1.8 | |
| Powerpoint | 20% | ||
| Pre-Test | 6 | 3.5 | |
| Post-Test | 8 | 1.4 |
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