Health Outcomes | Tobacco Use Cessation Evaluation Measures

Health outcomes measures for tobacco-use cessation^1-5

The effectiveness of tobacco cessation programs depends on the intensity of program effort and the use of multiple interventions. A rule of thumb is that the more programs implemented together as a package or campaign, the more successful the interventions will be.

Baseline

• Determine levels of employee tobacco use from employee health survey or health risk appraisal. It is important to recognize that tobacco users do not always self-identify. Examples include: 
  • How many employees currently smoke
  • How many employees currently use smokeless tobacco
  • How many employees are currently exposed to second-hand smoke 
    • How often are employees exposed to second-hand smoke
    • When exposed to second-hand smoke, for how long is the exposure
• Determine baseline percentage of employees with health conditions where individuals have a higher risk associated with tobacco use such as heart disease and stroke; tobacco-related cancers including lung, lip, oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus, larynx (voice box), pancreas, cervical, bladder, and kidney; and respiratory illnesses (colds, bronchitis, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
• Determine employee knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about tobacco use◦Evaluate employees’ current knowledge of the health benefits of tobacco-use cessation
  • Determine the number of employees who are currently using tobacco, but are thinking about quitting or state that they want to quit
  • Assess employee awareness of existing workplace tobacco cessation programs, policies, and benefits
  • Development of a training program for managers and employees on new tobacco cessation programs, policies and benefits

Process

• Periodic repeats of baseline measures

Outcome

• Assess changes in employee levels of tobacco use such as: 
  • Changes in the number of employees reporting tobacco use or exposure to second hand smoke before and after the tobacco cessation campaign or program
  • Changes in the frequency or duration of employee exposure to second hand smoke
  • Increases in number of employees who remain tobacco free for 6 or more months
  • Increases in the number of quit attempts made by employees
  • Assess changes in the percentage of employees with health conditions, where individuals have a higher risk associated with tobacco use such as heart disease and stroke; tobacco-related cancers including lung, lip, oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus, larynx (voice box), pancreas, cervical, bladder, and kidney; and respiratory illnesses (colds, bronchitis, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
  • Assess changes in employee knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about tobacco use ◾Assess changes in employee awareness of existing workplace tobacco cessation programs, policies, and benefits
    • Assess employee support before and after tobacco policy is implemented (Are employees supportive of how the policy is being enforced?)
    • Number of managers and employees trained on new tobacco cessation programs, policies and benefits