Community Coalition for Tobacco-free Youth: Results of a Needs Assessment

Needs assessments were conducted in six Pennsylvania counties to ascertain their needs for developing a grass-roots community coalition to address issues relative to youth tobacco use. Descriptive survey research methodology was used to collect data. A total of 355 of 511 individuals responded (70%). Respondents identified alcohol, teenage pregnancy, and cigarettes as most serious problems faced by their communities. Peer counseling and support, enforcement of current laws on tobacco sales to minors, and elimination of tobacco products in schools were identified as important activities. Parents and families, youth, and mass media were the groups identified as having the greatest potential to address youth tobacco use issues.