Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Division of Public Health Services (DPHS) Tobacco Prevention and Control Program (TPCP) is announcing the 2009 – 2010 National Adult Tobacco Survey (NATS). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will be conducting the survey, which will begin in the coming weeks.
NATS is a telephone survey about tobacco use, beliefs and attitudes. Data will be collected over a 12-month period. The survey will be done in both English and Spanish, on both landlines and cell phones. About 1900 adults 18 years or older in New Hampshire will be asked to participate in the survey.
“This survey will provide information on the frequency and prevalence of tobacco use in our State,” said DPHS Director Dr. José Montero. “It will also provide us with information about resident’s knowledge and attitudes about tobacco use and cessation, secondhand smoke, new tobacco products, such as snus, and public policies such as the Indoor Smoking Act.”
The results of the survey will be used to help guide TPCP’s planning and other public health programs. Reports on the results will be distributed to legislators, public health officials, educators, health care providers and the public through the TPCP.
“Surveys are the best way to get accurate data about the residents of New Hampshire,” said Dr. Montero. “We strongly encourage people to participate because the results will provide key guidance as to where and how the State should devote its efforts in community interventions, counter-marketing, surveillance and evaluation.”
Participants are chosen by random-digit dialing and are anonymous. The survey is designed to be sure participants are representative of all NH residents. State sponsored surveys are exempt from ‘no-call’ lists and, because phone numbers are generated at random, sometimes, unlisted numbers are called.
The data collected in this survey was previously conducted by individual states, NH conducted a similar survey in 2002, that can be found at DHHS’ website: http://www.dhhs.nh.gov/DHHS/ATOD/LIBRARY/Data-Statistical+Report/adult-tobacco.htm
Through CDC, Office of Smoking and Health, the New Hampshire Tobacco Prevention and Control Program continues to provide funding for community-based tobacco prevention and control grants, as well as tobacco addiction treatment opportunities, including a free and confidential Smokers’ Helpline, 1-800-Try-To-STOP (1-800-879-8678). For help while quitting visit www.trytostopnh.org. For more information on tobacco prevention and control, please call 603-271-6891. |
