Ethnic similarities and differences in early elementary teachers' responses to tobacco prevention

To explore ethnic differences in teachers' responses to tobacco prevention, 604 teachers, 26.6% of whom were African American (AA), attended an initial workshop, and 502 completed a four-week follow-up. Class sizes were equivalent, but AA teachers reported teaching relatively more AA students and fewer White students. On initial and follow-up questionnaires, AA teachers less often reported that their school had a tobacco-free policy. At follow-up, both groups reported using tobacco prevention materials and thought that they helped students. Despite less organizational support, AA teachers were as positive as White teachers about tobacco prevention for their K-3 students.