This course examines evidence about tobacco use and tobacco dependence. Examining research can help public health professionals create programs and activities that produce specific, measurable outcomes.

At the conclusion of this course, you will be able to:

• Explain why people who start to use tobacco are ambivalent about quitting.
• Describe how the cigarette is a drug delivery device.
• Discuss tobacco dependence as a chronic disease.
• Recognize tobacco use health disparities.
• Identify two evidence-based best practices for treating tobacco dependence.
• Relate the stages of change readiness to smoking cessation.
• Describe the process of smoking cessation

CORE COMPETENCIES:

This course addresses the following core competencies for public health professionals:

• 1A1. Identifies the health status of populations and their related determinants of health and illness.
• 1A2. Describes the characteristics of a population-based health problem.
• 1A5. Identifies sources of public health data and information.
• 6A3. Relates public health science skills to the Core Public Health Functions and Ten Essential Services of Public Health.