Abstract
This study was conducted as a descriptive-correlational exercise with the aim of determining the effect of student perceptions of social skills on their pro and con perceptions of smoking. The study sample comprised 106 students at 6th, 7th and 8th grades in three primary schools. The data were collected through socio-demographic data collection form, Social Skill Perception Form and Child Decisional Balance Scale. Data were evaluated by percentage calculation, Student t test and correlation analysis. While the point average of pro perception of smoking of the students with a high point average of social skill perception, was 8.6±3.1, in those with a low social skill perception point average it was 10.7±4.2, the difference being significant(p=0.012). The respective point averages of con perceptions were 26.8±3.7 and 23.5±3.3, again significant (p=0.000). While a positive medium level (r=0.410) relationship was determined between the point average of social skill perception and con perception of smoking, a negative low level (r=0.281) relationship was determined with the pro perception of smoking. As the social skill perception point average increases, children's con perceptions of smoking increase and their pro perceptions decrease.
Highlights
While the spreading of tobacco use slightly decelerated following the declaration by the General Assembly of the World Health Organisation (WHO) that ‘tobacco products are detrimental to health’, cigarette smoking still continues to be one of the most serious global health problems and is one of the six leading causes of death (Akdur, 2009)
While a positive medium level (r=0.410) relationship was determined between the point average of social skill perception and con perception of smoking, a negative low level (r=0.281) relationship was determined with the pro perception of smoking
A significant difference was found between the point average of the pros perception of smoking (p=0.012) and cons perception of smoking (p=0.0000) of the children, who have high point average of social skills, and the children, who have low point average of social skills (Table 1)
Summary
While the spreading of tobacco use slightly decelerated following the declaration by the General Assembly of the World Health Organisation (WHO) that ‘tobacco products are detrimental to health’, cigarette smoking still continues to be one of the most serious global health problems and is one of the six leading causes of death (e.g. cancer) (Akdur, 2009). Studies indicate an increasing prevalence of cigarette use and official figures show that people start smoking before the age of 10. The distribution of smokers according to socio-economic status is similar in most countries across the globe (WHO, 2002; 2007; 2012) These findings indicate the necessity for effective action in dealing with the harmful effects of cigarettes. This study was conducted as a descriptive-correlational exercise with the aim of determining the effect of student perceptions of social skills on their pro and con perceptions of smoking. While a positive medium level (r=0.410) relationship was determined between the point average of social skill perception and con perception of smoking, a negative low level (r=0.281) relationship was determined with the pro perception of smoking. Conclusions: As the social skill perception point average increases, children’s con perceptions of smoking increase and their pro perceptions decrease
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