Tobacco-free youth: a life skills primer

Abstract

[From the Introdution]: In an effort to stem the rising tide of tobacco consumption in the Americas, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has sponsored various activities, including research on tobacco control legislation and policies Regionwide; coordination and development of tobacco control action in the countries; and the implementation of a data collection instrument to survey tobacco use, attitudes, and beliefs. The rganization’s support for the Life Skills methodology—an evidence-based prevention tool—holds particular promise as a way to reduce the use of tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs among the Region’s young. In addition to promoting Life Skills school-based pilot programs in the Region, PAHO also will issue a series of publications on the methodology aimed a wide range of decision makers and health and social service providers. This book is the first in that series. Part One details the scope of the tobacco problem, focusing on youth in developing countries in the Region of the Americas. Part Two provides both theoretical and practical discussions of the Life Skills approach to preventing the use of tobacco and other substances.