Research on a broad range of tobacco prevention efforts in Oklahoma were the focus of a symposium conducted on May 12 by the Oklahoma Tobacco Research Center at the Stephenson Cancer Center. Presented during the symposium were 16 peer-reviewed research articles published in the January 2015 supplement to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

Through the initiatives of the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust, Oklahoma is gaining national attention as a model for using tobacco settlement funds to reduce tobacco use and improve public health. The research articles highlighted outcomes from the state’s investment in tobacco control using community engagement, cessation initiatives, health communications, and prevention research. Findings presented during the symposium included:

From 2001 to 2012, Oklahoma had significant declines in cigarette consumption and adult smoking prevalence. Smoking among high school students fell by 45%.

 Oklahoma tobacco users who viewed the Tobacco Stops With Me health communications campaign doubled their attempts to quit tobacco over those who did not view the campaign. Those who viewed the campaign and do not use tobacco products were 1.5 times more likely to help someone quit using tobacco.

 Oklahoma’s funding of community-based tobacco control coalitions is associated with positive changes in key outcomes including the proportion of smokers making quit attempts, home smoking bans among smokers, and awareness of the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline.

A new testing method developed by Oklahoma Tobacco Research Center researchers shows for the first time that exposure to very low levels of secondhand tobacco smoke causes significant DNA damage in human cells, increasing risks of cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Unilateral or coordinated increases in tribal cigarette tax rates could help Tribal Nations in Oklahoma improve tribal health while substantially increasing tribal cigarette tax revenue collections.

Symposium participants also identified several future research needs including more study of innovative approaches for reaching high-risk groups and other populations disparately affected by tobacco, the dual use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes, and efforts to prevent smokeless tobacco use.

The Oklahoma Tobacco Research Center is committed to reducing the burden of tobacco-related health problems in Oklahoma by educating the public and encouraging the implementation and diffusion of effective practices.

To view the symposium research articles and an introductory commentary from Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin, visit the American Journal of Preventive Medicine website: www.ajpmonline.org/issue/S0749-3797(14)X0017-6