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Policy at the local level is a critical component of comprehensive tobacco control programs. This study examined the relationships of individual and social factors with support for tobacco-related public policy using cross-sectional data (n = 4461) from adults participating in a statewide survey. Weighted multivariate, multinomial logistic regression examined associations between individual and social factors and support for tobacco-free city properties and support for limiting the number of stores that sell tobacco near schools. Oklahomans were more likely to favor policies that create tobacco-free city properties than policies that limit the number of stores that sell tobacco near schools. While non-smokers were most likely to favor both policies, support for both policies was greater than 50% among current smokers. Knowledge of secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure harm and female gender were predictors of support for both policies and among current, former, and never smokers. Rural-urban status was a predictor of support among former smokers and never smokers. Tobacco use among friends and family was only a predictor among never smokers&rsquo, support for limiting the sale of tobacco near schools. This study demonstrates that level of support differs by policy type, individual smoking status, as well as among subpopulations, and identifies critical elements in the theory of change for tobacco control programs.

For more than a decade, the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust and Oklahoma State Department of Health have collaborated to implement best practices in tobacco control through state and community interventions, including legislated and voluntary policy approaches, health communication, cessation programs, and surveillance and evaluation activities. This partnership eliminates duplication and ensures efficient use of public health dollars for a comprehensive tobacco control program based on a systems and social norm change approach. The purpose of this paper is to briefly describe strategies to reduce tobacco use despite a rare policy environment imposed by the presence of near-complete state preemption of tobacco-related law. Key outcome indicators were used to track progress related to state tobacco control and prevention programs. Data sources included cigarette excise tax stamp sales, statewide surveillance systems, Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline registration data, and local policy tracking databases. Data were collected in 2001-2013 and analyzed in 2012 and 2013. Significant declines in cigarette consumption and adult smoking prevalence occurred in 2001-2012, and smoking among high school students fell 45%. Changes were also observed in attitudes and behaviors related to secondhand smoke. Community coalitions promoted adoption of local policies where allowable, with 92 ordinances mirroring state clean indoor air laws and 88 ordinances mirroring state youth access laws. Tobacco-free property policies were adopted by 292 school districts and 309 worksites. Moving forward, tobacco use will be prioritized as an avoidable health hazard in Oklahoma as it is integrated into a wellness approach that also targets obesity reduction.

Background The Oklahoma Communities of Excellence in Tobacco Control (CX) program was established in 2004. Thirty-three CX grants have been funded to implement comprehensive tobacco control programs in 50 counties and one tribal nation. Purpose To describe local tobacco policy gains within CX counties and short-term and intermediate outcomes such as Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline registration and awareness, quit attempts, and home smoking bans among adults. Methods A before-and-after study design examined outcomes within CX counties and among CX urban and rural counties. Comparisons were made with non-funded counties when possible. Local policy tracking databases were reviewed for the number of policies implemented from 2004 to 2013 in CX counties. Population-level tobacco indicators, using Helpline registration and 2004–2010 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data, quantified changes over time. Data were collected in 2003–2013 and analyzed in 2013. Results Eight hundred thirty-one legislated and voluntary policies were implemented in CX counties and high levels of Helpline registration were maintained. Statistically significant increases were observed in CX counties for the proportion of smokers making a quit attempt, Helpline awareness, and home smoking bans among smokers. These observed increases were greater in rural CX counties than urban. Non-CX counties only experienced a statistically significant increase in Helpline awareness. Conclusions Using community-based best practices in tobacco control while focusing on social norm change, CX counties experienced positive changes in smoking-related attitudes and behaviors. This study expands the evidence base for statewide tobacco control programming and underscores the value of community-based tobacco control programs.

Introduction Counter-marketing in tobacco control plays an important role in increasing smoking cessation, reducing overall tobacco use, and reducing exposure to secondhand smoke. Purpose To 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. Methods A 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. Results Overall 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. Conclusions This study demonstrates the campaign's impact on tobacco-related attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors among both tobacco users and non-users.