Cheryl Healton
Cheryl Healton
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Founding Dean of School of Global Public Health
Professor of Public Health Policy and Management
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Professional overview
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For the last ten years, Dean Healton has devoted herself to building GPH’s academic, service, and research programs. The School has been accredited by CEPH, increased the size of its student body and research funding, recruited top faculty, added doctoral-level programs, and made diversity, equity and inclusion a priority.
Previously, as the founding President and CEO of Legacy, a leading organization dedicated to tobacco control, Dean Healton guided the national youth tobacco prevention campaign, which has been credited with reducing youth smoking prevalence to record lows, and launched programs for smoking cessation, public education, technical assistance, and a broad range of grant making.
Prior to joining Legacy, Dean Healton held numerous roles at Columbia University including Associate Dean of its Medical School, Assistant Vice President for the Health Sciences and Chairman of Sociomedical Sciences, and Associate Dean of the Mailman School of Public Health. She is an Emeritus Professor of Columbia University.
Dean Healton has authored over 120 peer-reviewed articles and has been awarded multiple grants in AIDS, tobacco control and higher education. She was the founding chair of the Public Health Practice Council of the Association of Schools of Public Health. As an active member of the public health community she has given presentations around the world and is a frequent contributor to national and local coverage of public health issues.
She holds a DrPH from Columbia University's School of Public Health (with distinction) and a Master’s in Public Administration from the Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service at NYU.
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Education
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MPA, Health Policy and Planning, New York University, New York, NYDrPH, Sociomedical Sciences (with distinction), Columbia University, New York, NY
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Areas of research and study
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Public Health LawPublic Health PolicyTobacco Control
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Publications
Publications
Cost-Utility Analysis of the National truth® Campaign to Prevent Youth Smoking
AbstractHoltgrave, D. R., Wunderink, K. A., Vallone, D. M., & Healton, C. G. (n.d.).Publication year
2009Journal title
American journal of preventive medicineVolume
36Issue
5Page(s)
385-388AbstractBackground: In 2005, the American Journal of Public Health published an article that indicated that 22% of the overall decline in youth smoking that occurred between 1999 and 2002 was directly attributable to the truth® social marketing campaign launched in 2000. A remaining key question about the truth campaign is whether the economic investment in the program can be justified by the public health outcomes; that question is examined here. Methods: Standard methods of cost and cost-utility analysis were employed in accordance with the U.S. Panel on Cost-Effectiveness in Health and Medicine; a societal perspective was employed. Results: During 2000-2002, expenditures totaled just over $324 million to develop, deliver, evaluate, and litigate the truth campaign. The base-case cost-utility analysis result indicates that the campaign was cost saving; it is estimated that the campaign recouped its costs and that just under $1.9 billion in medical costs was averted for society. Sensitivity analysis indicated that the basic determination of cost effectiveness for this campaign is robust to substantial variation in input parameters. Conclusions: This study suggests that the truth campaign not only markedly improved the public's health but did so in an economically efficient manner.Increasing youths' exposure to a tobacco prevention media campaign in rural and low-population-density communities
AbstractDuke, J. C., Vallone, D. M., Allen, J. A., Cullen, J., Mowery, P. D., Xiao, H., Dorrler, N., Asche, E. T., & Healton, C. (n.d.).Publication year
2009Journal title
American journal of public healthVolume
99Issue
12Page(s)
2210-2216AbstractObjectives. We examined the effectiveness of a program to increase exposure to national "truth" tobacco countermarketing messages among youths in rural and low-population-density communities. Methods. A longitudinal survey of 2618 youths aged 12 to 17 years was conducted over 5 months in 8 media markets receiving supplemental advertising and 8 comparison markets receiving less than the national average of "truth" messages. Results. Confirmed awareness of "truth" increased from 40% to 71% among youths in treatment markets while remaining stable in comparison markets. Over 35% of all youths who were unaware of the campaign at baseline became aware of it as a direct result of the increased advertising. Youths living in rural and low-population-density communities were receptive to the campaign's messages. Conclusions. Through purchase of airtime in local broadcast media, the reach of a national tobacco countermarketing campaign was expanded among youths living in rural and low-population-density areas. This strategy of augmenting delivery of nationally broadcast antitobacco ads can serve as a model for leveraging limited tobacco control resources to increase the impact of evidence-based tobacco prevention campaigns.The Strategic Dialogue on Tobacco Harm Reduction: a vision and blueprint for action in the US
Zeller, M., Hatsukami, D., Healton, C., Backinger, C., Benowitz, N., Biener, L., Burns, D., Clark, P., Djordjevic, M., Eissenberg, T., Govino, G., Hecht, S., Henningfield, J., Husten, C., Kobus, K., Leischow, S., Levy, D., Marcus, S., Meyers, M., … Warner, K. (n.d.).Publication year
2009Journal title
Tobacco ControlVolume
18Issue
4Page(s)
324-332A Clinical Practice Guideline for Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence: 2008 Update
Healton, C., & Fiore, M. C. (n.d.).Publication year
2008Journal title
American Journal of Preventive MedicineVolume
35Issue
2Page(s)
158-176Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence: 2008 update U.S. Public Health Service Clinical Practice Guideline executive summary
Healton, C., Fiore, M. C., & Et, A. (n.d.).Publication year
2008Journal title
Respiratory CareVolume
53Issue
9Page(s)
1217 - 1222A closer look at smoking among young adults: Where tobacco control should focus its attention
AbstractGreen, M. P., McCausland, K. L., Xiao, H., Duke, J. C., Vallone, D. M., & Healton, C. G. (n.d.).Publication year
2007Journal title
American journal of public healthVolume
97Issue
8Page(s)
1427-1433AbstractObjectives. We sought to fill gaps in knowledge of smoking behaviors among college-educated and non-college-educated young adults. Methods. We used data from the 2003 Tobacco Use Supplement of the Current Population Survey to analyze smoking behaviors among young adults aged 18-24 years and older young adults aged 25-34 years by college status (enrolled, or with a degree, but not enrolled) and other measures of socioeconomic position. Results. Current smoking prevalence among US young adults aged 18-24 years who are not enrolled in college or who do not have a college degree was 30%. This was more than twice the current smoking prevalence among college-educated young adults (14%). Non-college-educated young adults were more likely than were college-educated young adults to start smoking at a younger age and were less likely to have made a quit attempt, although no differences were found in their intentions to quit. Higher rates of smoking in the non-college-educated population were also evident in the slightly older age group. Conclusions. Non-college-educated young adults smoke at more than twice the rate of their college-educated counterparts. Targeted prevention and cessation efforts are needed for non-college-educated young adults to prevent excess morbidity and mortality in later years.Building a united front: Aligning the agendas for tobacco control, lung cancer research, and policy
AbstractGritz, E. R., Sarna, L., Dresler, C., & Healton, C. G. (n.d.).Publication year
2007Journal title
Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and PreventionVolume
16Issue
5Page(s)
859-863AbstractOur society bears a tremendous public health burden from tobacco-related disability and death, particularly in the realm of cancer. Yet research in lung cancer and other tobacco-related diseases research is dramatically underfunded when compared to the number of people affected. Persuading policy makers to increase funding for tobacco-related research, treatment, and policy initiatives will require considerable cooperation among the researchers, clinicians, and advocates who focus on tobacco control and those who concentrate on tobacco-related disease. Traditionally, these groups have battled over resources, expending precious energy competing for scarce funding. We propose a new way forward: these forces should come together in support of a common agenda that includes both increased tobacco control efforts and additional funding for disease-related research and treatment. Speaking with a unified voice in support of a full continuum of tobacco-related policy initiatives would significantly increase the size and influence of the coalition working to address this public health epidemic. Working together offers our nation the best chance of significantly reducing the scourge of disease and death caused by tobacco use.Do tobacco countermarketing campaigns increase adolescent under-reporting of smoking?
AbstractMesseri, P. A., Allen, J. A., Mowery, P. D., Healton, C. G., Haviland, M. L., Gable, J. M., & Pedrazzani, S. D. (n.d.).Publication year
2007Journal title
Addictive BehaviorsVolume
32Issue
7Page(s)
1532-1536AbstractThis study assesses whether a national anti-tobacco campaign for youth could create a social context that would elevate social desirability response bias on surveys, as measured by an increase in under-reporting of smoking. This could give rise to data that falsely suggest a campaign-induced decline in youth smoking, or it could exaggerate campaign effects. Data were obtained from a national sample of 5511 students from 48 high schools that were matched to schools sampled for the 2002 National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS). Self-reported smoking was compared with biochemical indicators of smoking, measured using saliva cotinine. The rate of under-reporting detected was 1.3%. Level of truth® exposure was not related to under-reporting. This study suggests that for high school students, anti-tobacco campaigns are not an important cause of social desirability responses on surveys, and that in general under-reporting smoking is not a major source of error in school-based surveys.Hollywood quits - Behind the scenes of a Hollywood-based smoking cessation program
AbstractNides, M., Hund, L. M., Carothers, S., McCausland, K. L., Duke, J. C., Xiao, H., Balaoing, M., Dale, L. C., & Healton, C. G. (n.d.).Publication year
2007Journal title
American Journal of Health BehaviorVolume
31Issue
6Page(s)
705-718AbstractObjectives: To develop, implement, and assess the efficacy of a comprehensive, evidence-based smoking cessation program for entertainment industry workers and their families. Methods: Study participants were recruited from 5 outpatient medical clinics and a worksite setting. Tobacco use data were collected during the initial counseling visit and at 6-month follow-up. Univariate and multivariate regressions were used in analysis. Results: More than 50% of participants (n=470) self-reported 7-day abstinence at follow-up. The majority of participants used combination cessation medications, with more than 50% still using at least 1 medication at 6 months. Conclusions: This evidence-based smoking cessation program using behavioral counseling and combination pharmacotherapy was successful with entertainment industry workers.Reducing carcinogen levels in cigarette smoke [4]
Gritz, E. R., Sarna, L., Dresler, C., & Healton, C. G. (n.d.). In Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention (1–).Publication year
2007Volume
16Issue
10Page(s)
2171Women's knowledge of the leading causes of cancer death
AbstractHealton, C. G., Gritz, E. R., Davis, K. C., Homsi, G., McCausland, K., Haviland, M. L., & Vallone, D. (n.d.).Publication year
2007Journal title
Nicotine and Tobacco ResearchVolume
9Issue
7Page(s)
761-768AbstractThis paper describes adult women's knowledge of the leading causes of cancer mortality among women. Exposure to antismoking advertisements or media messages also is examined as a potentially effective mechanism for changing inaccurate beliefs. We used data from the 2002 and 2003 American Smoking and Health Survey (ASHES), a national telephone survey of adults, to measure women's knowledge about cancer mortality. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the likelihoods of women indicating either breast or lung cancer as the leading cause of cancer mortality among women. The independent influence of individual characteristics such as race, smoking status, education, and awareness of antismoking messages or advertising on women's knowledge of cancer mortality was assessed. Overall, 66.7% of women inaccurately indicated breast cancer as the leading cause of cancer death among women, whereas 29.7% of women correctly indicated lung cancer. Black women were 43% less likely than White women to indicate lung cancer as the leading cause of cancer mortality among women. Current smokers were 35% less likely than noncurrent smokers to state that lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality among women. Awareness of antismoking messages or advertisements was associated with a higher probability of correctly indicating lung cancer as the leading cause of cancer mortality among women. Our evidence suggests that antismoking media messages may help to correct inaccurate beliefs about the leading causes of cancer death among women.Findings and implications from a national study on potential reduced exposure products (PREPs)
AbstractHund, L. M., Farrelly, M. C., Allen, J. A., Chou, R. H., St. Claire, A. W., Vallone, D. M., & Healton, C. G. (n.d.).Publication year
2006Journal title
Nicotine and Tobacco ResearchVolume
8Issue
6Page(s)
791-797AbstractTobacco companies have recently introduced products that they claim have reduced toxins and carcinogens, and that they say may be less harmful to smokers. These are potential reduced exposure products, or PREPs. This study measured smokers' awareness of PREPs, use of PREPs, interest in trying PREPs, and beliefs about the regulation of PREPs. This study was based on nationally representative data collected in 2002 and 2003 through the American Smoking and Health Survey. The final sample included 1,174 adult smokers. Descriptive and multivariate analyses were conducted to produce estimates and explore potential correlates of the outcomes. A total of 41.9% of adult smokers reported having heard of at least one of the PREPs measured, and 11.0% reported having tried one of these products. Half of adult smokers (49.9%) said they would like to try PREPs. Interest in trying PREPs was associated with having made a quit attempt, being concerned about the effect of smoking on one's health, and having a household income of less than US$20,000. About half of adult smokers (49.1%) incorrectly believed that PREPs are evaluated for safety by the government before being placed on the market, and 84.2% believed that the government should evaluate the safety of PREPs before they are sold to consumers. This study provides new and timely information on the use of, interest in trying, and beliefs about the regulation of PREPs among a nationally representative sample of adult smokers. With half of adult smokers interested in trying PREPs, the need for concrete scientific evidence on the potential impact of these products is critical.Perspectives from the front lines of tobacco control
AbstractBurrus, B., Northridge, M., Hund, L., Green, M., Braithwaite, K., Sabol, B., Healton, C., & Treadwell, H. M. (n.d.).Publication year
2006Journal title
Journal of health care for the poor and underservedVolume
17Issue
1Page(s)
124-142AbstractThis research is designed to share valuable experiences and transferable principles from program staff of the Legacy/Community Voices initiative who have been involved in planning, implementing, evaluating, and sustaining tobacco control activities in underserved communities. Interviews were conducted with 13 front line staff from 9 sites: Alameda County, California; Detroit, Michigan; El Paso, Texas; Ingham County, Michigan; Miami, Florida; New Mexico; North Carolina; Northern Manhattan; and West Virginia. A model emerged from these interviews that places the life cycle of a program in a central position, with many of the identified themes (working with local champions, obtaining support from multiple partners, increasing organizational capacity) repeated throughout, albeit in different forms at different stages. Reflecting upon wisdom gained and identifying best processes for such work may help ensure that tobacco control programs are developed that are culturally safe and effective in meeting the needs of diverse communities throughout the United States.Public Health Reports: Foreword
Martin, K., & Healton, C. (n.d.).Publication year
2006Journal title
Public Health ReportsVolume
121Issue
5Page(s)
487-489Smoking, obesity, and their co-occurrence in the United States: Cross sectional analysis
AbstractHealton, C. G., Vallone, D., McCausland, K. L., Xiao, H., & Green, M. P. (n.d.).Publication year
2006Journal title
British Medical JournalVolume
333Issue
7557Page(s)
25-26AbstractObjectives: To describe the prevalence of obesity, smoking, and both health risk factors together among adults in the United States. Design: Cross sectional analysis of a national health interview survey. Setting: United States. Participants: 29 305 adults (aged ≥ 18) in 2002. Main outcome measures: Prevalence of adults who are obese (body mass index ≥ 30), who smoke, and who are obese and smoke. Prevalence was stratified by age, sex, ethnic group, education, and income. Results: 23.5% of adults were obese, 22.7% smoked, and 4.7% smoked and were obese. Conclusions: Although the proportion of adults who smoke and are obese is relatively low, this subgroup is concentrated among lower socioeconomic groups.Televised movie trailers: Undermining restrictions on advertising tobacco to youth
AbstractHealton, C. G., Watson-Stryker, E. S., Allen, J. A., Vallone, D. M., Messeri, P. A., Graham, P. R., Stewart, A. M., Dobbins, M. D., & Glantz, S. A. (n.d.).Publication year
2006Journal title
Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent MedicineVolume
160Issue
9Page(s)
885-888AbstractObjective: To determine the proportion of televised movie trailers that included images of tobacco use during 1 year and the extent of youth exposure to those trailers. Design: Content analysis combined with Nielsen data measuring media exposure. All movie trailers (N=216) shown on television from August 1, 2001, through July 31, 2002. Main Outcome Measures: Exposure among youth aged 12 to 17 years to televised movie trailers that included smoking imagery. Results: Of the movie trailers televised during the study period, 14.4% (31 trailers) included images of tobacco use. Tobacco use was shown in 24.0% of the 23 trailers for R-rated (restricted) movies and 7.5% of the 8 trailers for PG-13- and PG-rated (parental guidance) movies. Ninety-five percent of all youth aged 12 to 17 years in the United States saw at least 1 movie trailer depicting tobacco use on television during this 1 year, and 88.8% saw at least 1 of these trailers 3 or more times. Conclusions: Nearly all US youth aged 12 to 17 years were exposed to images of tobacco use on television in the context of a movie trailer during the study period. Given the relationship between youth exposure to tobacco use in movies and smoking initiation, the public health community should work to enact policy to reduce or eliminate the influence of tobacco use in televised movie trailers.Youth smoking prevention and tobacco industry revenue
AbstractHealton, C., Farrelly, M. C., Weitzenkamp, D., Lindsey, D., & Haviland, M. L. (n.d.).Publication year
2006Journal title
Tobacco controlVolume
15Issue
2Page(s)
103-106AbstractObjectives: Epidemiological surveys make it clear that youth smoking contributes to both current and future tobacco industry revenue: over 80% of adult smokers reportedly began smoking before age 18. This paper estimates annual and lifetime revenue from youth smoking, and highlights the association between declines in youth smoking and declines in tobacco industry revenue. Main outcome measures: This paper reports the amount of tobacco industry revenue generated by youth smoking at two points in time (1997 and 2002), and describes the distribution of youth generated tobacco income among the major tobacco companies. The authors project the amount of tobacco industry revenue that will be generated by members of two cohorts (the high school senior classes of 1997 and 2002) over the course of their lifetimes. Results: In 1997, youth consumed 890 million cigarette packs, generating $737 million in annual industry revenue. By 2002, consumption dropped to 541 million packs and revenue increased to nearly $1.2 billion. Fifty eight per cent of youth generated revenue goes to Philip Morris USA, 18% to Lorillard, and 12% to RJ Reynolds. The authors project that, over the course of their lives, the 1997 high school senior class will smoke 12.4 billion packs of cigarettes, generating $27.3 billion in revenue. The 2002 high school senior class is projected to smoke 10.4 billion packs, generating $22.9 billion in revenue over the course of their lives. Conclusions: Cigarette price increases from 1997 to 2002 have resulted in greater revenue for the tobacco industry, despite declines in youth smoking prevalence. However, in the absence of further cigarette price increases, declines in youth smoking are projected to lead ultimately to a loss of approximately $4 billion in future tobacco industry revenue from a single high school cohort.Youth tobacco surveillance--United States, 2001-2002.
AbstractMarshall, L. T., Schooley, M., Ryan, H., Cox, P., Easton, A., Healton, C., Jackson, K., Davis, K. C., & Homsi, G. (n.d.).Publication year
2006Journal title
MMWR. Surveillance summaries : Morbidity and mortality weekly report. Surveillance summaries / CDC.Volume
55Issue
3Page(s)
1-56AbstractPROBLEM/CONDITION: Cigarette smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States, accounting for approximately 440,000 deaths each year. The prevalence of cigarette smoking nationwide among high school students (grades 9-12) increased during the 1990s, peaking during 1996-1997, and then declined. Approximately 80% of tobacco users initiate use before age 18 years. An estimated 6.4 million children aged <18 years who are living today will die prematurely as adults because they began to smoke cigarettes during adolescence. The annual health-related economic cost associated with tobacco use exceeds 167 billion dollars. Because of these health and economic consequences, CDC has recommended that states establish and maintain comprehensive tobacco-control programs to reduce tobacco use among youth. REPORTING PERIOD: This report covers data collected during January 2001-December 2002. DESCRIPTION OF THE SYSTEM: The National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS) and state youth tobacco surveys (YTS) were developed to provide states with data to support the design, implementation, and evaluation of comprehensive tobacco-control programs. NYTS is representative of middle and high school students in the 50 states and the District of Columbia. During spring 2002, a total of 26,149 students in 246 schools completed NYTS questionnaires. Weighted data for the YTS were achieved by 13 states in 2001 and by 20 states in 2002; state sample sizes varied (range: 982-38,934). This report summarizes data from the 2002 NYTS and the 2001 and 2002 YTS. RESULTS AND INTERPRETATION: Findings from the 2002 NYTS indicate that current use of any tobacco product ranged from 13.3% among middle school students to 28.2% among high school students. Cigarette smoking was the most prevalent form of tobacco use, with 9.8% of middle school students and 22.5% of high school students reporting that they currently smoke cigarettes. Cigar smoking was the second most prevalent form of tobacco use, with 6.0% of middle school students and 11.6% of high school students reporting that they currently smoke cigars. Among current cigarette smokers, 41.8% of middle school students and 52.0% of high school students reported that they usually smoke Marlboro cigarettes. Black middle school and high school students who smoke were more likely to smoke Newport cigarettes than any other brand (58.3% and 66.8%, respectively). Among middle school students aged <18 years, 75.9% were not asked to show proof of age when they bought or tried to buy cigarettes, and 63.4% were not refused purchase because of their age. Among high school students aged <18 years, 58.5% were not asked to show proof of age when they bought or tried to buy cigarettes, and 60.6% were not refused purchase because of their age. Nearly half (49.6%) of middle school students and 62.1% of high school students who smoke reported a desire to stop smoking cigarettes, with 55.4% of middle school students and 53.1% of high school students reported having made at least one cessation attempt during the 12 months preceding the survey. Among students who have never smoked cigarettes, 21.3% of middle school students and 22.9% of high school students were susceptible to initiating cigarette smoking in the next year. Exposure to secondhand smoke (i.e., environmental tobacco smoke) was high. During the week before the survey, 1) 88.3% of middle school students and 91.4% of high school students who currently smoke cigarettes and 47.1% of middle school students and 53.3% of high school students who have never smoked cigarettes were in the same room with someone who was smoking cigarettes; 2) 81.7% of middle school students and 83.7% of high school students who currently smoke cigarettes and 31.5% of middle school students and 29.1% of high school students who have never smoked cigarettes rode in a car with someone who was smoking cigarettes; and 3) 71.5% of middle school students and 57.5% of high school students who currently smoke cigarettes and 33.3% of middle school students and 29.9% of high school students who have never smoked cigarettes lived in a home in which someone else smoked cigarettes. Media and advertising influence was also noted, with 58.1% of middle school students and 54.9% of high school students who currently use tobacco and 11.0% of middle school students and 13.7% of high school students who have never used tobacco reporting that they would wear or use an item with a tobacco company name or logo on it. Although 84.6% of middle school students and 91.2% of high school students had seen or heard antismoking commercials on television or radio, 89.9% of middle school students and 91.3% of high school students also had seen actors using tobacco on television or in the movies. PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS: Health and education officials use YTS and NYTS data to plan, evaluate, and improve national and state programs to prevent and control youth tobacco use. States can use these data in presentations to their state legislators to demonstrate the need for funding comprehensive tobacco-control programs, including tobacco cessation and prevention programs for youth.Carson's Legacy
Healton, C. (n.d.).Publication year
2005Journal title
Chicago TribuneComparing adolescent reactions to national tobacco countermarketing advertisements using Web TV
AbstractNiederdeppe, J., Hersey, J. C., Farrelly, M. C., Haviland, M. L., & Healton, C. G. (n.d.).Publication year
2005Journal title
Social Marketing QuarterlyVolume
11Issue
1Page(s)
3-18AbstractThis study examined youth reactions to four tobacco countermarketing messages from the national truth® and "Think. Don't Smoke" tobacco countermarketing campaigns through Web TV using a forced exposure approach. More than 900 respondents completed a baseline survey that established their smoking intentions and behaviors; viewed a series of randomly ordered tobacco countermarketing advertisements; and, after each ad, answered six items gauging individual ad reactions. Respondents across smoking risk groups had more favorable reactions to two ads produced for Legacy's truth® campaign ("Body Bags" and "Daily Dose") compared with all other messages tested. Philip Morris' "My Reasons" received favorable evaluations among teens at lowest risk for future smoking, but consistent with our predictions derived from the theory of psychological reactance (Brehm, 1966), older teens at elevated risk of future smoking responded much less favorably. Teens without prior exposure to another truth® ad using the counter-industry message ("Shredder") rated this ad less favorably. Results underscore the importance of both prior exposure and message features and suggest the presence of other factors associated with ad effectiveness, including message clarity and stylistic presentation.Evidence of a dose-response relationship between "truth" antismoking ads and youth smoking prevalence
AbstractFarrelly, M. C., Davis, K. C., Haviland, M. L., Messeri, P., & Healton, C. G. (n.d.).Publication year
2005Journal title
American journal of public healthVolume
95Issue
3Page(s)
425-431AbstractObjectives. In early 2000, the American Legacy Foundation launched the national "truth" campaign, the first national antismoking campaign to discourage tobacco use among youths. We studied the impact of the campaign on national smoking rates among US youths (students in grades 8, 10, and 12). Methods. We used data from the Monitoring the Future survey in a pre/post quasi-experimental design to relate trends in youth smoking prevalence to varied doses of the "truth" campaign in a national sample of approximately 50 000 students in grades 8, 10, and 12, surveyed each spring from 1997 through 2002. Results. Findings indicate that the campaign accounted for a significant portion of the recent decline in youth smoking prevalence. We found that smoking prevalence among all students declined from 25.3% to 18.0% between 1999 and 2002 and that the campaign accounted for approximately 22% of this decline. Conclusions. This study showed that the campaign was associated with substantial declines in youth smoking and has accelerated recent declines in youth smoking prevalence.Flavored Tobacco Products
Healton, C. (n.d.).Publication year
2005Journal title
Washington PostForeword
Wainscott-Sargent, A., & Healton, C. (n.d.). In A Breath Away (1–).Publication year
2005Physician and dentist tobacco use counseling and adolescent smoking behavior: Results from the 2000 National Youth Tobacco Survey
AbstractShelley, D., Cantrell, J., Faulkner, D., Haviland, L., Healton, C., & Messeri, P. (n.d.).Publication year
2005Journal title
PediatricsVolume
115Issue
3Page(s)
719-725AbstractObjective. The present study describes patterns of tobacco use counseling among physicians and dentists as reported by adolescents and determines the association between provider advice to quit and cessation activities among current smokers. Methods. Data were analyzed from the 2000 National Youth Tobacco Survey, an anonymous, self-administered, school-based survey. The National Youth Tobacco Survey was administered to a nationally representative sample of 35 828 students in grades 6 to 12 in 324 schools. Results. Thirty-three percent of adolescents who visited a physician or a dentist in the past year reported that a physician counseled them about the dangers of tobacco use, and 20% reported that a dentist provided a similar message. Among students who smoked in the past year, 16.4% received advice to quit from a physician and 11.6% received advice to quit from a dentist. Physician or dentist advice to quit was correlated with 1 or more quit attempts in the past 12 months. Conclusion. On the basis of adolescent reports, physician and dentist practice patterns remain well below recommended guidelines. Results suggest that provider advice to quit is associated with cessation activity. Additional studies are needed to confirm whether the low prevalence of brief provider tobacco use counseling is a missed opportunity to affect adolescent smoking behavior.truth
Healton, C. (n.d.).Publication year
2005Journal title
Ad Week