Diffusion of an effective tobacco prevention program. Part I: Evaluation of the dissemination phase

Abstract

As health promotion methods are proven effective, the diffusion and widespread implementation of successful programs can significantly reduce behaviors that pose risks to health within a targeted population. The Smart Choices Diffusion Project developed and evaluated a dissemination intervention program that targeted 128 school districts in east Texas. The project employed a theory-based model to disseminate information about a proven tobacco prevention program to opinion leaders in each district. These opinion leaders were asked to personally communicate the program information within their district using a videotape and printed materials, and advocate for program adoption. In addition to personal communication, a newsletter linked school districts. Opinion leaders in 52% of the districts showed the videotape, which modeled program adoption. A quasi-experimental design was used to evaluate the impact of the dissemination phase on teachers' and administrators' readiness to adopt a tobacco prevention program. Evaluation of the dissemination phase revealed no differences between the intervention and comparison districts in a district's readiness to adopt a tobacco prevention program. However, in intervention districts where school administrators viewed the videotape, the administrators were more likely to perceive the innovative program as having a relative advantage and to perceive their district's organizational and social environment as supportive of adopting the program.