Linda Homan Senior Lecturer, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge
Abstract
This presentation will describe the process and findings of a two phase participatory research project throughout the 14 districts of Essex. Qualitative focus groups and were followed by a county wide survey carried out in schools in certain Essex school based in the indices of deprivation.
Results: The results show that there is a significant association between the type of school and the incidence of smoking (Χ2 = 7.64, df = 1, p = 0.007). There is a significance of living in a smoking household both in high deprivation areas (HDA) (Χ2 = 9.96, df = 1, p = 0.001), and low deprivation areas (LDA) (Χ2 = 37.24, df = 1, p <0.001). 64.6% of pupils from both high and low deprivation areas thought that most people smoke today. 10% fewer young people in higher deprivation areas knew how to access help to stop smoking.
The conclusions hold some interesting proposals for Stop Smoking services and schools. North West Essex have already implemented changes in programmes based on the findings with positive effect. We will share about the study and the results put into place.
Source of funding: The Smoke Free Essex Tobacco Control Alliance and Anglia Ruskin University
