Title: The Filter FE Challenge: pilot trial and process evaluation of a multi-level smoking prevention intervention in further education settings
Funder: Division for Social Care and Health Research (Wales)

Abstract: Aim: To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of implementing and trialling a new multi-level smoking prevention intervention in FE settings. Design: Pilot cluster RCT and process evaluation. Intervention: “The Filter FE Challenge” is a universal multi-level smoking prevention intervention that is intended to be adaptable for use in all FE settings (i.e. general FE colleges/campuses sixth form colleges etc.) delivered by trained staff using resources developed by ASH Wales for “The Filter” youth project. Informed by evidence of effective smoking prevention methods and approaches the intervention aims to prevent the uptake of smoking among FE students aged 16-18 at multiple levels via: (1) restricting the sale of tobacco to under 18 year-olds; (2) implementing tobacco-free campus policies; (3) training FE staff to deliver anti-smoking messages and support institutional change; (4) publicising “The Filter” youth project’s online social marketing campaigns advice and support services; and (5) youth work activities to provide credible educational messages modify perceived normsand promote social/situational resistance skills as well signposting cessation services if necessary. Control group: Standard practice.Setting: Six FE settings (purposively sampled for a pilot trial to examine delivery and trial methods in a range of institutional contexts).Target population: FE students aged 16-18Objectives of the pilot trial: (1) examine the feasibility fidelity and acceptability of delivering and trialling the intervention according to pre-specified progression criteria; (2) explore student staff and intervention team experiences of implementing and trialling the intervention and how this varies in order to refine the logic model intervention and methods prior to progressing to any subsequent evaluation phases; and (3) pilot the primary outcome measure (transition to smoking weekly or more) secondary outcome measures (ever smoked frequent cannabis use high risk alcohol use health-related quality of life and cessation/reduction in smoking) process measures (community-level tobacco availability institutional environment students’ knowledge attitudes and skills) and economic evaluation methods.Data sources: New students enrolling at the participating FE settings for the 2014-15 academic year (approx. 2500) will complete an online survey at baseline (September 2014) and 1-year follow-up (September 2015). Other quantitative (process) data will be collected via: structured observations; intervention team delivery checklists; ‘mystery shopper’ audits of local shops; analysis of college policy documents; and a staff training evaluation survey. Qualitative data will be collected via: interviews with FE college managers (n=12/2 per college) and the delivery team (min. 6); focus groups with intervention college students (n=12/4 per college) and staff (n=6/2 college). After the follow-up survey 200 students will be recruited via stratified random sampling to provide a saliva sample for cotinine testing to examine the validity of the self-reported smoking outcome.Governance: A trial steering committee (TSC) will be established including South East Wales Trials Unit (SEWTU) representatives. A study protocol and pre-specified trial progression criteria will be agreed by the TSC the NIHR ASH Wales and the investigators.


Research activity codes: 3.1 PRIMARY PREVENTION INTERVENTIONS TO MODIFY BEHAVIOURS OR PROMOTE WELL-BEING
Health categories: STROKE;RESPIRATORY;CANCER AND NEOPLASMS;CARDIOVASCULAR