Evaluation of a youth tobacco education program: student, teacher, and presenter perspectives

Few published studies have explored the impact of smoking prevention programs among elementary-school children. This study describes a qualitative, cross-sectional evaluation of the Tar Wars tobacco prevention program among 5th-grade students (n = 888), along with impressions from classroom teachers and program presenters. Results from this evaluation reveal that all constituencies involved with the Tar Wars program--5th-grade students, classroom teachers, and program presenters--indicated high satisfaction with this youth tobacco education program. Students enjoyed the program and indicated understanding of key themes, classroom teachers stated that the program was worthwhile in presenting unique information, and presenters were enthusiastic about the ease of presentation and opportunities for future presentations.