The 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health

Title: Implementing Grass Roots Tobacco Control in an Early Stage Country Quiñones Zahira*, Diaz Sergio, Ossip-Klein Deborah, Sierra Essie, Dozier Ann, Fisher Susan, Dye, Timothy, Chin Nancy, McIntosh Scott, Diaz Omar, Guido Joseph, Winters, Paul, Castillo Zulenmi, Armstrong LaToya

Method: 1) Assessment: Qualitative research (RAPS) was conducted, followed by surveys of community members and health care providers. 2) Intervention: Assessment results guided materials/protocol development; local health care providers and specialists were trained in half of the communities for comparison to control communities; 3) Capacity building: The goal was to “grow” surveillance/surveys and interventions in local communities.

Results: 1) Assessment: Qualitative research indicated perceptions of high tobacco use prevalence; variations in type of tobacco product used; gaps in awareness of specific tobacco use risks and awareness of tobacco control regulations; lack of a culture of quitting; and minimal health care provider interventions. Quantitative surveys indicated that 27% of males, 18% of females used tobacco; 38% of households reported at least 1 tobacco user. Use was higher among illiterate respondents (42% vs. 18%).