Longitudinal Evaluation of the Tobacco Stops with Me Campaign

IntroductionCounter-marketing in tobacco control plays an important role in increasing smoking cessation, reducing overall tobacco use, and reducing exposure to secondhand smoke.PurposeTo evaluate the Tobacco Stops With Me campaign in Oklahoma by determining awareness and impact on tobacco-related attitudes, knowledge, and behavior among tobacco users and non-users.MethodsA 2-year longitudinal population-based study of 4,001 Oklahomans aged 18–54 years was conducted to evaluate campaign-related changes in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. Baseline data were collected using landline and cellular phones in 2007 prior to the launch of the campaign, with follow-up surveys at 1 year after baseline (n=2,466) and 2 years after baseline (n=2,266). Data were analyzed in 2012 using methods appropriate for weighted longitudinal data.ResultsOverall campaign awareness was 81%. Exposure to Tobacco Stops With Me doubled quit attempts among tobacco users and increased knowledge about the harm of secondhand smoke. Tobacco non-users exposed to the campaign were 1.5 times more likely to help someone quit using tobacco than those not exposed, report that tobacco is a serious problem in Oklahoma, believe that tobacco companies should not be allowed to give away free samples or advertise at public events, and believe that smoking should be banned at public outdoor places. These findings were statistically significant after controlling for potential confounding variables.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the campaign’s impact on tobacco-related attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors among both tobacco users and non-users.