A concise history of school-based smoking prevention research: a pendulum effect case study
Steve Sussman1, David S Black, Louise A Rohrbach
1Institute for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Research, University of Southern California, Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, Alhambra, CA 91803-4737, USA. ssussma@usc.edu
Journal of Drug Education
|February 15, 2011
Summary
School smoking prevention research evolved since 1964, showing fluctuating confidence over time. Future research should build on this history to improve tobacco use prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Behavior Research
- Educational Interventions
Background:
- The first Surgeon General's Report in 1964 marked the beginning of school-based cigarette smoking prevention efforts.
- The field has a long history of research and intervention development.
- Understanding the historical trajectory is crucial for current and future strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To chronicle the scientific development of school-based tobacco use prevention research.
- To illustrate the "pendulum effect" in research confidence over time.
- To provide recommendations for advancing future research in this area.
Main Methods:
- Historical review of school-based smoking prevention research.
- Analysis of the evolution of research methodologies and findings.
- Identification of trends and shifts in research confidence.
Main Results:
- School-based tobacco use prevention research has progressed through distinct phases since 1964.
- Confidence in prevention effectiveness has shown a "pendulum effect," waxing and waning over time.
- Key events and reports have significantly influenced research directions.
Conclusions:
- The history of school-based smoking prevention research provides valuable lessons.
- Continued research and adaptation of strategies are necessary to combat youth tobacco use.
- Recommendations are proposed to foster more robust and sustained progress in the field.
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