The rise of e-cigarette use among youth has been a growing concern for public health authorities since their introduction to the U.S. market in 2007. Despite a peak in usage rates in 2019, the numbers remain alarmingly high, with 10% of high school and 4.6% of middle school students reporting current use as of 2023. The CATCH My Breath (CMB) program has emerged as a beacon of hope in combating this issue, particularly in areas with high tobacco use rates like Central Appalachia.
Understanding the CATCH My Breath Curriculum
The CATCH My Breath program was developed by the University of Texas School of Public Health and is specifically designed to prevent e-cigarette initiation among middle school students. The curriculum focuses on enhancing knowledge about e-cigarettes, fostering social-cognitive norms against their use, and building refusal skills. Over four years, from 2019 to 2023, the program was implemented across 25 schools in West Virginia and Kentucky, reaching over 6,217 students.
Key Findings from the Program Evaluation
- Knowledge Improvement: Students showed significant improvements in their understanding of e-cigarettes. For instance, knowledge that e-cigarette vapor does not contain mostly water increased from 39% pre-test to 67% post-test.
- Reduction in E-Cigarette Use: The program led to a decrease in current e-cigarette use from 5.1% to 4.4%, with a notable reduction in peer influence as well.
- Psycho-Social Impact: Students reported feeling more confident in their ability to refuse e-cigarettes when offered by peers.
The Role of Educators and Practitioners
The success of CMB highlights the critical role educators and practitioners play in implementing effective health education programs. Here are some ways you can leverage these insights:
- Integrate Proven Curricula: Consider adopting the CATCH My Breath curriculum or similar evidence-based programs into your school's health education offerings.
- Engage with Stakeholders: Collaborate with local health departments and educational authorities to expand program reach and secure necessary resources.
- Pursue Continuous Learning: Stay updated on new research findings and best practices through professional development opportunities such as webinars and conferences.
The Path Forward
The promising results from the CMB program have prompted further efforts by the West Virginia Bureau for Public Health and the Department of Education to expand its reach across all middle schools in the state over the next three years. This expansion underscores the importance of comprehensive prevention strategies that include policy initiatives alongside educational interventions.
If you're an educator or practitioner looking to make a difference in your community's fight against youth vaping, consider exploring further research or implementing similar programs tailored to your local context.
