Promoting tobacco cessation and smoke-free workplaces through community outreach partnerships in Puerto Rico

Elba C. Díaz-Toro, Maria E. Fernández, Virmarie Correa-Fernández, William A. Calo, Ana Patricia Ortiz, Luz M. Mejía, Carlos A. Mazas, María del Carmen Santos-Ortiz, David W. Wetter

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objectives: The Outreach Pilot Program (OPP) was designed to engage communities, health professionals, and researchers in a network to advance health promotion activities and research to increase the use of the PR Quitline (PRQ) among smokers and promoting policies in support of smoke-free workplaces.

Methods: Using community-based participatory research (CBPR) methods, the OPP mobilized a network of community and academic partners to implement smoking cessation activities including referrals to the PRQ, adoption of evidence-based smoking cessation programs, and promotion of smoke-free legislation.

Background: Puerto Rico (PR) has a lower smoking prevalence than the United States (14.8% vs. 21.2%, respectively); nevertheless, the five leading causes of death are associated with smoking. There is a need to implement evidence-based tobacco control strategies in PR.

Results: Eighty organizations participated in the OPP. Collaborators implemented activities that supported the promotion of the PRQ and smoke-free workplaces policy and sponsored yearly trainings, including tobacco control conferences. From 2005 to 2008, physician referrals to the PRQ increased from 2.6% to 7.2%. The number of annual smokers receiving cessation services through the PRQ also increased from 703 to 1,086. The OPP shepherded a rigorous smoke-free law through participation in the development, promotion, and implementation of the smoke-free workplaces legislation as well as the creation of the PR Tobacco Control Strategic Plan, launched in 2006.

Conclusions: This project demonstrates the feasibility of developing a successful and sustainable community-based outreach program model that enlists the participation of academic researchers, community organizations, and health care providers as partners to promote tobacco control.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)157-168
Number of pages12
JournalProgress in Community Health Partnerships: Research, Education, and Action
Volume8
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2014

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Health(social science)
  • Education
  • Sociology and Political Science

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