Publication
National survey of tobacco-related work with young people
1. Introduction
In December 1998 the White Paper on Tobacco Smoking Kills was published. It sets out a framework for tobacco control in Scotland and includes a range of measures:
- a ban on tobacco advertising and sponsorship
- measures to tackle underage tobacco sales
- measures to reduce smoking in public places (including workplace and schools)
- a new approved code of practice on smoking in the workplace
- new smoking cessation services
- new education and prevention work
Smoking Kills identified young people as a priority group for action. In a later White Paper, Towards a Healthier Scotland HealthH (1999), targets were set for a reduction in the proportion of 12-15 year olds who smoke from the 1995 level of 14% to 12% by 2005 and 11% by 2010. The subsequent Scottish Health Plan reiterated a commitment "to battling against the impact of tobacco - especially on our young people" (Scottish Executive 2000).
In response to these policy initiatives HEBS and ASH Scotland brought together researchers and practitioners from the UK and Europe at an expert seminar to consider evidence on the effectiveness of interventions designed to prevent the uptake of smoking and to aid cessation among young people. A key recommendation from the seminar was the need to develop a comprehensive tobacco control strategy for young people (ASH/HEBS 1999).
In light of this recommendation both agencies commissioned a national survey to determine current and planned tobacco-related work targeted at young people in Scotland. It was also intended that the survey will act as a baseline against which to monitor the development of work in this area.
Report structure
This document presents the findings from the survey. Following an outline of the project aims, method and final sample, the report addresses strategies and approaches underpinning tobacco-related work (Chapter 4) and an examination of specific areas of work across Scotland as identified in the research objectives – prevention/education, cessation, enforcement, training and development of materials (Chapter 5). The following chapters explore the scope of activity among nationally based organisations (Chapter 6) and across geographical areas (Chapter 7). Chapter 7 also includes details of individual activities described. A summary, discussion and conclusions are provided in Chapter 8.
Additional appendices bound separately from this document provide (1) details of all the activities described by respondents and (2) main tables giving response to all questions.
In reading the report, it is important to remember that, whilst a largely quantitative framework is employed and percentages are given to facilitate understanding of the overall picture and making broad comparisons, in some contexts the numbers are very small. In addition, it is apparent that there is considerable mix and overlapping of activities. The categories set in the questionnaire were not always clear to respondents in their work, and it should be borne in mind that to some extent the results suggest boundaries that are 'artificial' in the context of common practice. A fluid and changing picture emerged, often identifying work and approaches that encompass tobacco and smoking among other health and social issues and as part of every-day work, rather than discrete, focussed projects. These issues are discussed further in Chapter 8.