As part of the current Tobacco and Inequalities project ASH Scotland has undertaken a needs assessment in relation to the themes of tobacco and mental health, older adults and ethnicity. The research aimed to find out more about the main issues and to identify priorities for action. It was carried out with involvement from key stakeholders. Four reports have been produced:
The needs assessment has involved the following stages:
Literature reviews: were undertaken for each of the three themes. These include information on the following: existing policy and research evidence, tobacco use prevalence, benefits and challenges of stopping smoking and ways to address tobacco use.
There are also shorter ‘briefing papers’ for each of the three themes, available by clicking on the relevant sections to the left.
Mapping Exercise: smoking cessation specialists across Scotland completed a questionnaire to find out about existing services and resources in relation to tobacco work within the three target areas. A Service and Resource Directory for older adults, ethnicity and mental health is the result of this exercise.
Interviews: were undertaken with over 30 service providers - including smoking cessation specialists, health workers and representatives from statutory and voluntary organisations - to find out about their knowledge, experiences and needs in relation to tobacco work with the three target groups. A Service Providers' Report on the findings is now available.
Focus groups: were undertaken with representatives from the relevant client/community groups, to find out more about potential service users' knowledge, experiences and needs. A Service Users' Report on the findings is now available.
If you would like any further information about the needs assessment work, please contact:
tracey.norris@ashscotland.org.uk
0131 220 9471