Effective Smoking Prevention Programs Research Articles

Personality traits and high cigarette dependence among university students: Insights from Lebanon.

The use of tobacco and cigarette products remains widespread globally, with varying patterns across countries. Understanding the factors influencing cigarette dependence among young adults is crucial for effective smoking prevention and control programs. Personality traits are one of the factors that influence smoking behaviour, yet the evidence on their role in high cigarette dependence among young adults remains inconclusive. This study aims to provide insights and initial evidence on the potential association between personality dimensions, sociodemographic factors, lifestyle habits, and high cigarette dependence among Lebanese university students. A convenient sample of 212 student smokers from one private and one public university in Lebanon participated in an online survey. The survey included measures of personality traits using the Big-Five framework, sociodemographic factors, lifestyle habits, and the Fagerström Test for Cigarette Dependence (FTCD). Logistic regression models and mediation analysis were used to analyze the data. The results revealed significant associations between personality dimensions and high cigarette dependence among Lebanese university students. Smokers with higher levels of Openness to Experience were more likely to have high cigarette dependence (β = 0.408, p < = 0.015). Conversely, smokers with higher levels of Conscientiousness (β = -0.500, p < 0.001) and Agreeableness (β = -0.491, p < 0.01) were less likely to have high cigarette dependence. Additionally, attending a public university (β = 1.198, p = 0.018), having more close friends who smoke (β = 0.525, p < 0.01), and switching to a cheaper cigarette brand (β = 0.928, p < 0.05) were associated with a higher cigarette dependence. These findings highlight the importance of considering personality dimensions, sociodemographic factors, and lifestyle habits in understanding high cigarette dependence among Lebanese university students. The results can inform the development of targeted interventions to address high cigarette dependence in this population.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices relating to tobacco smoking in undergraduate students in a selected university of Bangladesh

Background: Tobacco smoking is one of the leading causes of preventable morbidity and mortality in the world, and is responsible for many premature deaths. The prevalence of smoking and smoking-related mortality are still high in developing and low-income countries. This survey was aimed to determine knowledge, perception and practices of tobacco smoking behavior in the undergraduate students of Bangladesh University of Health Sciences, Bangladesh.Methods: A descriptive type of cross-sectional study was conducted among the Health Sciences students during January 2018. A self-administered semi-structured questionnaire was used for data collection from 260 undergraduate students. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25 (Statistical Package for Social Studies).Results: The prevalence of overall current tobacco smokers was 12.3% (21.2% for males and 0.9% for females). Nonsmokers had a better knowledge than smokers regarding smoking as a risk factor for lung cancer (98.4%; versus 92.9%; p=0.038), association between second hand smoke and serious illness (94.2% versus 82.9%; p&lt;0.001) and likelihood of dying earlier than nonsmokers (84.2% versus 61.4%; p&lt;0.001). In general, students had positive antismoking perception.Conclusions: Despite having a good understanding of the detrimental effects of tobacco smoking, smoking prevalence among students at Bangladesh University of Health Sciences is high. To reduce smoking among university students, effective smoking prevention and cessation intervention programs are necessary.

Motivational Factors for Smoking Behaviors in Individuals with Metabolic Syndrome.

PurposeSmoking, which is one of the major risk factors for metabolic syndrome that causes cardiovascular disease or diabetes, is a crucial risk factor, which is modifiable. This study aimed to determine the factors that promote smoking behaviors according to smoking status among adults with metabolic syndrome.Patients and MethodsA survey of structured self-reported questionnaires was conducted on 152 adults with metabolic syndrome. Outcome variables included cognitive motivations (self-efficacy, and perceived benefits and barriers), emotional motivation (emotional salience), and autonomous and controlled motivation based on self-determination theory. The participants were categorized by their smoking status (never smoking, quit smoking, or current smoking). Their sociodemographic and motivational factors were examined using one-way analysis of variance, analysis of covariance, and multinomial logistic regression analysis.ResultsData on 152 individuals with metabolic syndrome with a mean age of 57.5 years were included. The findings indicated that the motivational factors for the never-smoking and quit-smoking groups significantly differed from those for the current-smoking group in terms of self-efficacy, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, and autonomous motivation. Based on multinomial logistic regression with current smoking as the reference group, sex (being female, OR=57.69) and perceived barriers (OR=0.39) were the significant predictors for the never-smoking group, while autonomous motivation (OR=1.96) was the significant predictor for the quit-smoking group.ConclusionThe motivational factors for smoking behaviors varied according to the smoking status of adults with metabolic syndrome. Autonomous motivation was the significant predictor of smoking cessation for individuals who successfully quit, whereas cognitive motivation was influential in the prevention of smoking by individuals who have never smoked. Further studies are warranted to develop smoking cessation strategies, which should focus on specific motivational factors to lead effective smoking prevention programs in this population.

Prevalence of Cigarette Smoking and Associated Factors Among Adolescents in Eastern Ethiopia, 2020.

BackgroundCigarette smoking is one of the leading causes of preventable morbidity and mortality globally, and it is accountable for many causes of premature deaths. Despite the negative consequences of cigarette smoking, studies to identify factors associated with cigarette smoking are scanty and little is known about this practice in the Somali region so far, so this study aimed to assess the prevalence of cigarette smoking and associated factors among adolescents in the Gode, eastern Ethiopia 2020.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study design was employed among 341 adolescents in the Godey administration of the Somali Region, Eastern Ethiopia from July to August 2020. A systematic sampling technique was used to select study participants. Data were collected using a pretested interviewer administered questionnaire. The collected data were entered with Epi-Data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 22 software for statistical analysis. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were done to identify the true effect of predictor variables on the outcome variable after controlling for possible confounders. Statistical significance was declared at a p-value < 0.05.ResultsOver all, the prevalence of current cigarette smoking among adolescents was found to be 21.1% (95% CI: (16.7−25.5). Having smoker parents [AOR = 2.57, 95% CI: (1.32–5.02)], whose friends smoke cigarette [AOR = 4.78, 95% CI: (2.12–10.76)], and currently chewing khat [AOR = 6.01, 95% CI: (2.96–12.23)] were significantly associated predictors of current cigarette smoking in the final model of multivariable analysis.ConclusionThe prevalence of cigarette smoking was relatively high in this study area. This study reported having smokers’ parents, having smokers’ friends and chewing khat were found to be independent predictors for cigarette smoking. Therefore, effective smoking prevention and intervention programs are required in this area.

A Smoking Prevention Program for Aboriginal Youth

In recent years, policymakers and medical experts have expressed alarm about the growing problem of tobacco related deaths, most specifically from smoking cigarettes. Even more alarming is the rate of tobacco use among Aboriginal people and specifically Aboriginal youth. This paper explores how a holistic approach coupled with Aboriginal healthcare professionals is necessary for an effective smoking prevention program. Moreover, recommendations are provided based on this information to help devise an effective smoking prevention program encompassing all four aspects of health; mental, physical, emotional and spiritual.

Determinants of Smoking Status in a Sample of Outpatients Afferent to a Tertiary Referral Hospital.

The identification of determinants of attempts to quit smoking and quitting smoking success is crucial for effective smoking prevention and/or cessation programs. Thus, here we have conducted a survey to determine the sociodemographic characteristics of tobacco use and the potential determinants of quitting smoking among a population of 140 subjects—101 smokers and 39 ex-smokers—referred to our clinic for respiratory diseases. Subject characteristics included demographic data, employment and education status, respiratory disease family history, smoking habits, life habits, diet, alcohol intake, and physical activity. In comparison with former smokers, active smokers were younger, lived with at least one smoking family member, and were more frequently exposed to passive smoke. They also displayed a higher coffee consumption, a higher frequency of in-between-meal snacks, and a lower chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) prevalence. In comparison with subjects who had never attempted to quit smoking, individuals who had attempted to quit smoking were younger, had a lower pack-year median, consumed a higher amount of coffee and alcohol, and conducted regular physical activity. Determinants of successful smoking cessation were older age, lower passive smoking exposure and daily coffee intake, and COPD diagnosis. Overall, our findings underscore the importance of health education in fostering successful smoking cessation in respiratory disease patients.

고등학교 남학생들의 흡연 정도가 식습관, 음주습관 및 생활만족도에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the smoking and eating habits of high school students. We also presented the basic data for the effective smoking cessation and smoking prevention programs, and proper nutrition education programs. We surveyed 304 high school male students in Sokcho city. The results were as follows ; a total of 23.7% of the subjects were smokers, the smokers spent more pocket money than the non-smokers and they also spent more time on the internet or smartphone. The smokers had lower awareness of the dangers of smoking than that of non-smokers. They started drinking alcohol earlier than the non-smokers. Their water intake was higher and they preferred consumption of high-protein foods like fried chicken, but were not inclined to vegetables and sour tasting foods. These results imply that smoking habits of the subjects affected their eating and drinking habits. A matter of concern was the low intake of vegetables and sour tasting foods, which could lead to a deficiency of nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and dietary fibers. The smokers were less satisfied with their school life than the non-smokers. There was a negative correlation with the degree of awareness of the dangers that smoking can cause. Conversely, the amount of smoking and drinking habits were positively correlated. To reach a healthy adulthood, it is crucial to quit smoking and participate in smoking prevention education along with nutrition education and abstinence education for the adolescents.

Medical Training to Achieve Competency in Lifestyle Counseling: An Essential Foundation for Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases and Other Chronic Medical Conditions: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association.

A healthy lifestyle is fundamental for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease and other noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Investment in primary prevention, including modification of health risk behaviors, could result in a 4-fold improvement in health outcomes compared with secondary prevention based on pharmacological treatment. The American Heart Association (AHA) emphasized the importance of lifestyle in its 2020 goals for cardiovascular health promotion and disease reduction. In addition to defining “cardiovascular health” based on criteria for blood pressure and biochemical markers (lipids and glycemia), the AHA Strategic Planning Committee further identified lifestyle characteristics of central importance: nutrition, physical activity, smoking, and maintenance of a healthy body weight.1 The World Health Organization estimated that ≈80% of NCDs could be prevented if 4 key lifestyle practices were followed: a healthy diet, being physically active, avoidance of tobacco, and alcohol intake in moderation.2 To support healthy lifestyle initiatives, major changes are necessary at the societal level to improve population health. Numerous strategies might help to create a culture that promotes and facilitates healthy behaviors, including creating laws and regulations, mounting large-scale public awareness and education campaigns, implementing local community programs, and providing individual counseling.3 Physicians are uniquely positioned to encourage individuals to adopt healthy lifestyle behaviors: Approximately 80% of Americans visit their primary care physician at least once a year. Physicians directly communicate with their patients during clinical encounters across numerous settings, and research indicates that patients highly value recommendations provided by their physicians.4,5 However, data further indicate that lifestyle counseling does not routinely occur in physicians’ offices, thereby representing a lost opportunity. Physicians report that they perform lifestyle counseling during ≈34% of clinic visits.4 Patients, in turn, report an even lower frequency of physician lifestyle counseling. For example, obese patients reported receiving physical activity and …

Long-Term Health and Medical Cost Impact of Smoking Prevention in Adolescence

PurposeTo estimate smoking progression probabilities from adolescence to young adulthood and to estimate long-term health and medical cost impacts of preventing smoking in today's adolescents. MethodsUsing data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health), we first estimated smoking progression probabilities from adolescence to young adulthood. Then, using the predicted probabilities, we estimated the number of adolescents who were prevented from becoming adult daily smokers as a result of a hypothetical 1 percentage point reduction in the prevalence of ever smoking in today's adolescents. We further estimated lifetime medical costs saved and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained as a result of preventing adolescents from becoming adult daily smokers. All costs were in 2010 dollars. ResultsCompared with never smokers, those who had tried smoking at baseline had higher probabilities of becoming current or former daily smokers at follow-up regardless of baseline grade or sex. A hypothetical 1 percentage point reduction in the prevalence of ever smoking in 24.5 million students in 7th–12th grades today could prevent 35,962 individuals from becoming a former daily smoker and 44,318 individuals from becoming a current daily smoker at ages 24–32 years. As a result, lifetime medical care costs are estimated to decrease by $1.2 billion and lifetime QALYs is estimated to increase by 98,590. ConclusionsEffective smoking prevention programs for adolescents go beyond reducing smoking prevalence in adolescence; they also reduce daily smokers in young adulthood, increase QALYs, and reduce medical costs substantially in later life. This finding indicates the importance of continued investment in effective youth smoking prevention programs.

The prevalence of and factors associated with current smoking among College of Health Sciences students, Mekelle University in northern Ethiopia.

BackgroundTobacco smoking is one of the greatest causes of preventable morbidity and mortality globally, and is responsible for many causes of untimely deaths. This survey was aimed to determine prevalence and factors associated with current smoking among the students of College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was employed using a structured self-administered questionnaire among College of Health Sciences students in March 2013. A stratified random sampling method was employed to select study participants. Data were entered and analysed using of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0.ResultsOf the 193 students, 57 (29.5%) of the students were current smokers. Most of the current smokers (89.4%) smoked between 1–10 sticks of cigarette per day. The two main reasons cited for smoking cigarettes were peer pressure (43.9%) and to relieve stress (36.8%). Being female (adjusted OR [AOR] = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.25, 0.95) and Tigre by ethnicity (AOR = 0.32; 95% CI: 0.14, 0.74) were significantly less associated with current smoking. On the other hand, being second year students (AOR = 3.84; 95% CI: 1.41, 10.46), khat chewing (AOR = 8.36; 95% CI: 2.60, 26.85) and taking illicit drugs (AOR = 10.59; 95% CI: 2.77, 40.51) were positively associated with current smoking cigarettes.ConclusionsThe current smoking prevalence among students in College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University is high and therefore, effective smoking prevention and cessation intervention programs are required to reduce smoking among university students.

Poster #M117 EVIDENCE THAT CHILDHOOD URBAN ENVIRONMENT IS ASSOCIATED WITH BLUNTED STRESS REACTIVITY ACROSS GROUPS OF PSYCHOTIC PATIENTS, RELATIVES AND CONTROLS

Background: This study reports the prevalence of adolescent smoking in the urban and rural areas of Wuhan, China, the capital of Hubei Province, on the Yangtze River in central China.Methods: Smoking behavior was examined by age, gender, and urbanicity as part of the Wuhan Smoking Prevention Trial. Subjects included 6994 seventh- to ninth-grade students attending 22 randomly selected schools in urban and rural districts. Outcome measures included lifetime smoking, past-30-day smoking, established smoking (>100 cigarettes in lifetime), and susceptibility to smoking (absence of a firm commitment not to smoke).Results: Lifetime smoking prevalence was 47% among boys and 18% among girls. Past-30-day smoking prevalence was 16% among boys and 4% among girls. Established smoking prevalence was 2% among boys and 0% among girls. The prevalence of susceptibility to smoking was 31% among boys and 10% among girls. Smoking increased significantly with age (p<.0005). Susceptibility was more prevalent in rural areas than in urban areas (p<.05), but there were no urban-rural differences in lifetime, past 30-day smoking, or established smoking. Trend analyses revealed that smoking increased with age more rapidly among boys than among girls (p<.05). Smoking was more prevalent among rural boys than among urban boys, but it was more prevalent among urban girls than among rural girls (p<.05).Conclusions: Adolescent smoking is a significant public health problem in China. Boys are at particularly high risk, as are girls living in urban areas. Effective smoking prevention programs for adolescents, as well as restrictions on tobacco industry marketing and youth access to tobacco, are needed to prevent tobacco-related morbidity and mortality in China.

Predictability of smoking onset among Romanian adolescents

Abstract Objectives: Research identifying reliable and country-specific predictors of smoking is needed in order to develop effective adolescent smoking prevention programmes. The objective of this study was to assess the cognitive and socio-demographic factors associated with smoking onset among Romanian teenagers, using both cross-sectional and longitudinal data. Methods: The data were obtained from a two-wave, one-year longitudinal study carried out among 316 senior high school non-smokers from Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Questionnaires assessed smoking behaviour, attitudes, social influence, self-efficacy and intention regarding smoking (motivational variables) as well as different sociodemographic features. Results: The cross-sectional analyses showed that socio-demographics and motivational variables were strongly associated with smoking behaviour; the explained variance was 76%. The longitudinal analyses revealed that four variables explained 33% of the variance in change of status from non-smoking to regular smoking over a period of one year. Regular smoking onset after one year was predicted by baseline low self-efficacy in refraining from smoking in different situations, having more smoking friends and playing truant from school. Having a brother was a protective factor. Conclusion: The results suggest that smoking prevention programmes in Romania should strengthen self-efficacy beliefs and resistance against peer modelling and help Romanian young people to develop skills and action plans to cope with pressure to smoke and challenging situations.

Peripheral Artery Disease in Type 2 Diabetic Patients from the United Arab Emirates

Objectives: Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is common in patients with diabetes. Frequently, this complication is only recognized when the symptoms and signs are advanced. This study assessed its prevalence and associated risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who reside in the United Arab Emirates. The main purpose of the study was to identify potential disease modifiers that could be included in diabetic education programs. Methods: This prospective, cross-sectional study assessed PAD in 394 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Each patient was investigated by history, physical examination and measurements of the ankle-brachial index (ABI) by bidirectional doppler. Results: Patients’ mean (±SD) age was 54 (±12) years and duration of diabetes 10 (±8) years. There were 264 females (67%). HbA1c was ≥7% in 247 (65%) patients, claudication present in 166 (42%) patients, reduced capillary refill time in 69 (17%) patients, retinopathy in 50 (13%) patients, and absent pulse in 20 (5%) patients. ABI was ≤1.0 in 149 (39%) patients (probable PAD) and <0.9 in 33 (9%) patients (significant PAD). Current smoking [odds ratio (OR)=3.9; confidence intervals (CI)=1.5-10.3; p-value=0.007], percent HbA1c (OR=3.4; CI=1.2-10.2; p-value=0.028) and hypertension on examination (OR=1.6; CI=1.0-2.6; p-value=0.041) were significant predictors of ABI ≤1.0. Current smoking (OR=3.7; CI=1.2-10.8; p-value=0.019) was significant predictor of ABI <0.9. Conclusions: These results confirm the deleterious effects of smoking on diabetes-association PAD. Thus, diabetic patients should be engaged in effective smoking prevention programs. Other modifiable interventions are controlling hyperglycemia and hypertension. Patients with abnormal ABI (especially <0.9) should have stringent risk assessments and be started on an individualized risk-reduction program.

Differences in Cigarette Use Behaviors by Age at the Time of Diagnosis With Diabetes From Young Adulthood to Adulthood: Results From the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health

ObjectivesPrevious observations propose that risk-taking behaviors such as cigarette smoking are prevailing among young people with chronic conditions including diabetes. The purpose of this study was to examine whether cigarette smoking is more prevalent among diabetics than non-diabetics and whether it differs by age at the time of diagnosis with diabetes from young adulthood (YAH) to adulthood (AH).MethodsWe used US panel data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health Study) during the years 2001 to 2002 (Wave III, YAH) and 2007 to 2008 (Wave IV, AH). Multivariate logistic regression models were applied to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of cigarette use behaviors according to age at the time of diagnosis with diabetes, after adjusting for demographic and selected behavioral factors.ResultsOf 12 175 study participants, 2.6% reported having been diagnosed with diabetes up to AH. Early-onset diabetics (age at diagnosis <13 years) were more likely than non-diabetics to report frequent cigarette smoking (smoking on ≥20 days during the previous 30 days) in YAH (OR, 3.34; 95% CI, 1.27 to 8.79). On the other hand, late-onset diabetics (age at diagnosis ≥13 years) were more likely than non-diabetics to report heavy cigarette smoking (smoking ≥10 cigarettes per day during the previous 30 days) in AH (OR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.03 to 2.30).ConclusionsThe current study indicated that diabetics are more likely than non-diabetics to smoke cigarettes frequently and heavily in YAH and AH. Effective smoking prevention and cessation programs uniquely focused on diabetics need to be designed and implemented.

Exploring Recommendations for an Effective Smoking Prevention Program for Indonesian Adolescents

The present qualitative study assessed the need, acceptability and appropriateness for implementing effective and culturally appropriate smoking prevention programs for adolescents in schools in Indonesia. Snowball sampling was used to recruit participants. The study sample comprised a mixture of staff in the education department, junior high school teachers and individuals who had taught junior high school students in Aceh Province, Indonesia. Data were collected through one hour in-depth face to face or telephone interviews and analyzed using a descriptive content analysis procedure. School teachers and policy makers in education firmly supported the implementation of a school-based smoking prevention program in Aceh. An appropriate intervention for smoking prevention program in schools in Aceh should involve both health and Islamic based approaches, and be provided by teachers and external providers. Potential barriers to the program included smoker teachers and parents, time constraints of students and/or teachers, lack of teachers' ability, increase in students' load, the availability of tobacco advertising and sales, and lack of tobacco regulation and support from community and related departments. To increase program effectiveness, involvement of and coordination with other relevant parties are needed. The important stakeholders in Indonesian childhood education agreed that school-based smoking prevention program would be appropriate for junior high school students. An appropriate intervention for smoking prevention program for adolescents in schools in Indonesia should be appropriate to participants' background and involve all relevant parties.

A web-based computer-tailored smoking prevention programme for primary school children: intervention design and study protocol.

BackgroundAlthough the number of smokers has declined in the last decade, smoking is still a major health problem among youngsters and adolescents. For this reason, there is a need for effective smoking prevention programmes targeting primary school children. A web-based computer-tailored feedback programme may be an effective intervention to stimulate youngsters not to start smoking, and increase their knowledge about the adverse effects of smoking and their attitudes and self-efficacy regarding non-smoking.Methods & designThis paper describes the development and evaluation protocol of a web-based out-of-school smoking prevention programme for primary school children (age 10-13 years) entitled ‘Fun without Smokes’. It is a transformation of a postal mailed intervention to a web-based intervention. Besides this transformation the effects of prompts will be examined. This web-based intervention will be evaluated in a 2-year cluster randomised controlled trial (c-RCT) with three study arms. An intervention and intervention + prompt condition will be evaluated for effects on smoking behaviour, compared with a no information control condition. Information about pupils’ smoking status and other factors related to smoking will be obtained using a web-based questionnaire. After completing the questionnaire pupils in both intervention conditions will receive three computer-tailored feedback letters in their personal e-mail box. Attitudes, social influences and self-efficacy expectations will be the content of these personalised feedback letters. Pupils in the intervention + prompt condition will - in addition to the personalised feedback letters - receive e-mail and SMS messages prompting them to revisit the ‘Fun without Smokes’ website. The main outcome measures will be ever smoking and the utilisation of the ‘Fun without Smokes’ website. Measurements will be carried out at baseline, 12 months and 24 months of follow-up.DiscussionThe present study protocol describes the purpose, intervention design and study protocol of ‘Fun without Smokes’. Expectations are that pupils receiving tailored advice will be less likely to smoke after 24 months in contrast to pupils in the control condition. Furthermore, tailored feedback letters and prompting is expected to be more effective than providing tailored feedback letters only.Trial registrationDutch Trial Register NTR3116

Identifying Gender Differences among Romanian Non-smoking Junior High School Students

The purpose of this study was to assess gender differences regarding perceptions of smoking between Romanian non-smoking boys and girls, to facilitate the development of effective smoking prevention programmes. Cross-sectional data were obtained in 2006 by means of written questionnaires among 981 non-smoking school students aged 13-14 years from Cluj-Napoca, Romania. The results reveal that girls were more convinced than boys that smoking would result in several positive outcomes such as helping them getting more attention and becoming easier part of the crowd. Moreover, girls declared lower self-efficacy in refraining from smoking when friends smoke or offer them a cigarette. Parental norms regarding smoking seem to be less restrictive for boys than for girls. The gender differences found in our study do not warrant specific smoking prevention programmes for boys and girls, but it is advisable to include gender-specific issues in prevention activities targeting Romanian adolescents aged 13-14 years.

Potential reach of effective smoking prevention programmes in vocational schools: Determinants of school directors’ intention to adopt these programmes

Investigating the current, intended and potential reach of two effective smoking prevention programs in Dutch vocational schools and identifying determinants of school directors' intention to adopt these programs. Cross-sectional survey. Two questionnaires were developed based on the Diffusion of Innovation theory and the I-Change model, focussing on either the 'Healthy School and Stimulants program' (HSS program) or the 'Out-of-school Computer Tailoring program' (CT program). The questionnaires were distributed amongst all Dutch vocational school directors (n=452) of which 34% completed the questionnaire. The potential reach of the HSS program was 29% whereas the potential reach of the CT program was 5%. Regression analyses revealed that being female, perceiving a higher percentage of smoking students in school, having a personality more open towards change, perceiving a low need for a smoking prevention program, fewer disadvantages of the program, a higher level of self-efficacy towards adopting the program and a more positive social norm towards adopting a smoking prevention program from other school directors resulted in a positive intention towards adopting either program. The present study showed that the reach of effective smoking prevention programs is fairly low. School-based smoking prevention efforts are likely to improve if schools choose to use programs that are proven to be effective, which can be encouraged by adapting existing and newly designed programs to school directors' characteristics and providing easy access to reliable information regarding available programs.

P2-415 Smoking-specific communication and children's smoking behaviour: an extension of the theory of planned behaviour

IntroductionSmoking starts and progresses rapidly during adolescence. Therefore, it is important to prevent youths from smoking. Previous research is mostly conducted on adolescent samples. This innovative study will focus on...

Determinants of Smoking Behaviour Among Secondary School Students in Bangladesh

Despite established country's tobacco control law, cigarette smoking by the young people and the magnitude of nicotine dependence among the students is alarming in Bangladesh. This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of smoking and factors influencing it among the secondary school students. A two-stage cluster sampling was used for selection of schools with probability proportional to enrollment size followed by stratified random sampling of government and private schools. The 70-item questionnaire included 'core GYTS' (Global Youth Tobacco Survey) and other additional questions were used to collect relevant information. Analysis showed that the prevalence of smoking was 12.3% among boys and 4.5% among girls, respectively. The mean age at initiation of smoking was 10.8years with standard deviation of 2.7years. Logistic regression analysis revealed that boys are 2.282 times likely to smoked than girls and it was 1.786 times higher among the students aged 16years and above than their younger counterparts. Smoking by teachers appeared to be the strong predictor for students smoking behaviour (OR 2.206, 95% CI: 1.576, 3.088) followed by peer influence (OR 1.988, 95% CI: 1.178, 3.356). Effective smoking prevention program should to be taken to reduce smoking behaviour. The school curricula had less impact in preventing smoking except teacher's smoking behaviour.