Early Elementary Teachers' Receptivity to Tobacco Prevention in One Rural U.S. State

Abstract

Although tobacco prevention programs in public schools may be effective, most focus on high school or middle school students. To assess teacher receptivity at an earlier level, 2,290 early elementary (K-3) teachers in one rural state attended a training workshop that included grade-specific tobacco prevention materials. Four weeks later, 986 completed a follow-up questionnaire. Even on the initial questionnaire, an overwhelming majority thought that tobacco prevention should start in early elementary school, and that they could make a difference in reducing youth tobacco use. Following training, there was a 25 percent increase in number of teachers who had taught tobacco prevention at least once. Early elementary teachers were receptive to grade-specific tobacco prevention efforts that were integrated into their existing curriculum.