Date of Conferral

9-5-2025

Degree

Doctor of Public Administration (D.P.A)

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Karel Kurst-Swanger

Abstract

Vaping has become a pressing health concern among students, providing easy access to nicotine and other harmful chemicals. In schools, this issue threatened student well-being, discipline, and policy enforcement, underscoring the need for effective prevention. The purpose of this mixed-method study was to examine of the U.S. school practices and policies addressing vaping and (b) the development of a strategic prevention and intervention plan informed by the American Stop Smoking Intervention Study Framework (ASSIST Model). The study focused on one public school system and sought to answer practice-based research questions: How can the Board of Education effectively decrease vaping incidence among its students? And what additional strategies can be implemented to enhance prevention and intervention efforts? Data were collected through a researcher-developed mixed-method survey administered virtually to 125 teachers, health professionals, education representatives, and drug-prevention experts working with youths in the county. Qualitative responses were analyzed using thematic content analysis, while quantitative data were interpreted through descriptive statistics. Findings revealed that schools lacked consistent policies, resources, and prevention programs. Respondents highlighted the need for new policies, multimedia campaigns, and coordinated interventions that combine awareness-building with practical strategies. The study concludes that promoting social change requires raising awareness of the dangers of vaping, shifting social norms, and implementing systematic school-led campaigns. These interventions can positively influence practices and policies, support students in making healthier choices, and ultimately strengthen public administrative efforts to address youth vaping within the school environment.

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