Evaluating the Impact of School-Based Smoking Prevention Interventions on Students' Physical Activity Intentions, Perceived Social Expectations, and Self-Efficacy

Abstract

This study evaluates the impact of school-based smoking prevention interventions on students' physical activity intentions, perceived social expectations, and self-efficacy. With increasing rates of adolescent smoking and its associated health risks, school-based interventions have been widely promoted as effective strategies to prevent smoking initiation. However, little research has been conducted in Pakistan to assess their broader effects on health behaviors. This study addresses this gap by analyzing data from 240 school students in Lahore, Pakistan, using a structured questionnaire. The respondents were approached while visiting at their schools. The data was obtained using simple random sampling technique from one of the Lahore based elite private school. The findings reveal significant positive relationships between the interventions and all three outcome variables. Smoking prevention programs had the strongest effect on physical activity intentions (β = 0.4441), followed by perceived social expectations (β = 0.3359) and self-efficacy (β = 0.3089). These results suggest that these interventions not only reduce smoking tendencies but also encourage broader health-promoting behaviors among students. By promoting positive social expectations, self-efficacy, and physical activity, these interventions can create a lasting impact on adolescent health. Future research should focus on the long-term sustainability of these outcomes and their potential application to other health areas.