An evaluation of the effectiveness of a planned diffusion process: the Smoke-Free Class of 2000 project in Texas.
The first year of the Texas Triagency Coalition Smoke-Free Class of 2000 project (SFC2000) in Texas was evaluated using a descriptive model developed from diffusion theory.  Tobacco-prevention education (TPE) materials were to be made available to all first grade teachers within the state.  A random sample survey of 213 teachers indicated that 96 (44.7%) had received the materials.  Adoption and implementation were high.  By May of 1989, 64.2% of those teachers receiving materials had adopted and already implemented the program, and 25.3% had adopted and intended to use the materials.  Almost all (96.8%) of those teachers who received the kit indicated that they would maintain the first grade program in the coming school year. Of respondents to a 1 year follow-up survey, 41.1% used it the first year only, 27.3% used it both years, 12.5% used it only in year 2 and 18.2% did not use it either year.  Of those receiving the kits, 48% indicated that they had not previously taught TPE and thus were introduced to the concept of TPE through the SFC2000 kits.  Receptivity was highest (over 90% agreement) for including TPE in elementary school curricula, with fewer teachers strongly agreeing with items tapping personal involvement with TPE.  This evaluation of a statewide component of a national initiative reinforces the need to consider the dissemination and implementation of materials when planning large-scale interventions and evaluating their impact.
Brink
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Center for Health Promotion Research and Development, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston 77225.
Levenson-Gingiss
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Gottlieb
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D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D005178:Faculty; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012574:Schools; D012907:Smoking; D016540:Smoking Cessation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013664:Teaching Materials; D013781:Texas