Congress Abstracts 2003

78

“BUTT BUSTERS: KIDS AGAINST SMOKING”: A PROGRAM TO EDUCATE ELEMENTARY STUDENTS ABOUT THE DANGERS OF SMOKING. Stephanie McMahon, RN, MS, CRNP, OCN^®, Amgen, Thousand Oaks, CA; Anne Kaufman, RN, BSN, OCN^®, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Shadyside, Pittsburgh, PA; Sandra Lee Schafer, RN, MN, AOCN^®, Select Specialty Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA; Carol Benton, RN, OCN^®, Magee Womens Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA; Pat Dittig, RN, MSN, CRNP, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Shadyside, Pittsburgh, PA; and Katie McDermott, RN, BSN, OCN^®, Sewickley Medical Group, Sewickley, PA.

Lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer deaths. According to the American Cancer Society, in 2001, an estimated 169,500 were diagnosed and 157,400 died from the disease. More than 90% of lung cancers are smoking related. According to Health and Human Services, more than three million kids age 12–17 are current smokers.

As oncology nurses play a key role in educating the public, we can make children aware of the dangers of smoking and influence decisions to never start smoking. With grants from Cancer Care Inc. and a National ONS chapter grant, the Greater Pittsburgh Chapter partnered with local elementary schools to promote anti-smoking efforts. The goals of the program were to bring attention to dangers of smoking and provide a much needed community service. Children in either 4th or 6th grade were invited to participate in one of two “Butt Busters” educational competitions, a poster presentation, or an essay. One school each from the north, south, east, and west suburbs was chosen. School principals selected which grade would be involved. Packets of information were sent to student homes to inform parents of the project, and introduce ONS and the importance of smoking cessation.

“Butt Busters” involved 3 visits over 6 weeks. The 1st visit introduced ONS, “Butt Busters,” and a brief discussion to assess students’ knowledge of smoking. Smoking aerobic exercises were conducted to mimic changes in lungs secondary to emphysema. The students had two weeks to complete posters or essays. At the second visit, posters were collected and “Butt Busters” T-shirts were handed out. Teachers and principals judged posters on originality and relevance (no essays were submitted). At the third visit, trophies were awarded for first, second, and third place, as well as honorable mention.

Two programs were successfully completed as of March 2002, involving a total of 163 students. The feedback from both principals and students has been positive. The program was featured in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette health section. Plans for future programs include pre- and post-tests to assess anti-smoking knowledge. “Butt Busters” is ongoing with two programs scheduled for fall and winter 2002.