October 2001
Adolescent Tobacco Use Prevention:
The Power of Faith
Cigarettes kill one in three smokers. In 1999, 26% of 10th graders reported smoking cigarettes in the last 30 days–an increase over the 21% reported in 1991. Almost a third of these 10th graders smoked a half pack or more per day. In non-metropolitan areas the rates are even higher, with 26% of 8th graders and 30% of 10th graders reporting cigarette use in the past 30 days. Given current tobacco use, more than 5 million American children alive today will die prematurely from smoking-related illnesses.
Despite these facts, researchers find that faith communities (churches, synagogues, temples or any type of religious or spiritual organization) can and do make a difference in youth smoking. Historically, religious institutions have played an important role in shaping behavior. Studies show that teens involved with faith communities are less likely to use tobacco. Teen religious involvement is linked to decreased tobacco use and less tolerant attitudes about tobacco use.
Smoking prevention efforts in faith communities can be initiated by faith leaders, lay leaders or youth. A series of interviews was recently held with faith leaders and youth in Minnesota. Participants shared a number of reasons why congregations should be involved in youth tobacco prevention efforts. Faith and prayer were viewed as critical for behavior change and healing. Some people felt that the Bible provided guidance in avoiding unhealthy behaviors such as smoking. Others stated that the body is a temple, and tobacco prevention efforts are a piece of keeping the temple healthy and whole.
At the policy level, faith leaders are very powerful in shaping public opinion. Faith communities in Florida, California, Maryland and Massachusetts have been pivotal in encouraging anti-tobacco legislation. The African-American community in particular has developed extremely effective health promotion programs within the church.
It is clear that faith communities are a source of guidance, comfort, support and care for the community. This belief is confirmed by the past successes that faith communities have experienced in promoting health.
Health and Faith
Recent efforts by federal legislators have stepped up interest in involving faith communities in the promotion of adolescent health. In addition to tobacco prevention, faith communities also have been active in other areas, such as teen pregnancy prevention, nutrition and sexuality education. Faith communities can take various strategies to enlist congregation members in health promotion efforts:
• Have church members volunteer to assist with programs
• Limit the amount of information to prevent participants from being overwhelmed
• Ask key members to greet the other program participants at the door to increase comfort level
• Provide a table where written information is available to answer any immediate questions
• Make a commitment to talk about health issues at every service
• Involve church members in program planning
• Emphasize healthy living rather than fear of dying
Related Websites:
There are a number of websites that can assist you in motivating your faith community to become involved in youth health. Check them out!
The Interfaith Health Program of Emory University– ( ww.ihpnet.org ) The Interfaith Health Program provides a wealth of information on the powerful collaboration that is possible between public health and faith communities. The site contains publications, resources, as well as links to a number of other resources that have been reviewed by professionals.
Spirit of Life Project– (www.spiritoflife.org) The Spirit of Life Project promotes youth tobacco prevention in faith communities. Their website has a variety of resources and research to assist faith communities in their prevention efforts.
Spirituality and Health– (www.spiritualityhealth.com) The Spirituality and Health website offers a variety of books, programs and other resources that explain the link between spirituality and health.
Please contact the editor for a list of references for this issue of "Ups & Downs."
This issue of “Ups & Downs” was contributed by Laurie L. Meschke, Ph.D., School of Public Health, University of Minnesota.
“Ups & Downs” is edited by Rosalie Bakken and co-edited by Stephen Russell, Ph.D., 4-H Youth Development Specialist, University of California-Davis.