Date of Award

5-1-2001

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Health, Physical Education and Recreation

First Advisor

Dr. Richard Stacy

Abstract

The impact of tobacco has been one of the greatest public health concerns of the last quarter century, and while advances have been made a significant percentage of Americans continues to smoke. One reason which tobacco users cite for continuing this negative health habit is the desire to maintain their current weight, or the fear of weight gain following tobacco cessation. While there may be negative consequences (real and perceived) to weight gain in the general population, definite sanctions exist in the United States military for those who gain weight in excess of their maximum allowable weight. Tobacco cessation classes (TCC) are available at most military locations for all eligible beneficiaries (i.e., active duty, civilian employees, dependents, retirees, etc.) The purpose of this study was to determine if differences exist in the value expectancy and outcome expectation regarding weight gain among participants in an Air Force tobacco cessation program; these differences were examined in relation to different “status” (i.e., active duty, dependent, etc.) within the eligible population. To examine these constructs, surveys returned by 37 eligible Air Force beneficiaries who registered for TCC at the Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska Health and Wellness Center were evaluated. Surveys contained general demographic information, as well as 32 questions related to value expectancy and outcome expectation; specific areas of the survey were related to values and expectations in three different areas: 1) health, 2) social and 3) career. Participant responses for questions concerning each of these areas were tabulated to obtain a mean score for each construct. The mean score for each area was compared between active duty members and others (i.e., civilians, dependents, retired). No significant differences were found in the scores between these two groups using independent t-tests comparing the health, social and career value expectancies (p < .01); a two-tailed test was used.

Comments

A Thesis Presented to the School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation And the Faculty of the Graduate College University of Nebraska In Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Science University of Nebraska at Omaha. Copyright James E. Reineke May, 2001

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