Introduction

Abstract

SUMMARY In this volume, we will examine different components of a preventive public health intervention directed at reducing rates of youth smoking. The rationale for this intervention is presented as well as a review of the literature on this topic. Five data-based papers will provide readers with an overview of different aspects of this large community-based preventive intervention. One paper will examine the types of ordinances that communities have adopted and what our recommendations are for optimal tobacco control policies at the local level. A second paper will examine thereadiness of communities to begin the process of changing, and how that might be documented. Another domain we will investigate is whether the types of tobacco prevention programs in schools have an effect on youth smoking rates. We will also provide data about what influences a store merchant to actually illegally sell tobacco to minors. Finally, we will investigate whether youth who participate in tobacco purchase efforts become more likely to try smoking or whether their attitudes change as a function of participating in these programs. We conclude that effective programs are more likely to be comprehensive, sustainable, well planned, and coordinated at the local level.