Adolescent Smoking Prevention Evaluation

Adolescent Smoking Prevention Program Evaluation

• Aim: Evaluate the effectiveness of a year-long smoking prevention and cessation program for adolescents (ages 13-14), using the Transtheoretical Model (TTM). The aim was to see if the program could prevent smoking.

• Methodology:

  • Sample: A randomized sample of 9th-grade students, allocated to intervention or control groups in 5 groups based on the number of grade 9 students in each school. Random sampling was used.
  • Intervention: Two types of intervention – computer-based (1-hour sessions) and classroom-based (6 sessions), designed to be similar, with the computer-based sessions being self-directed. Intervention was given during 9th Grade.

    • Computer sessions: Interactive questions focusing on smoking behavior and TTM stages (precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance), providing normative and ipsative feedback, and using videos of peers sharing experiences to improve engagement.

    • Classroom sessions: These lessons were designed to paralle the computer-based interventions. Teachers received two-day training covering TTM concepts, smoking stages, and practical assessment application. Trained by Public Management.

  • Control group: Standard health education; teachers in the control group schools received lesson plans on tobacco but had no specific TTM training. The teachers or schools had autonomy about delivery. Data collected on demographic characteristics, smoking status, and if other family members smoked.
  • Data collection:
    • Quantitative data: Follow-up questionnaires (12 months post-intervention) to assess smoking behavior (operationalized as 1+ cigarettes per week). The questionnaires included data on demographics, smoking, and family smoking history.
    • Qualitative data: Observations on session delivery, participation rates, session duration, and any issues; also used input from students on the usefulness of intervention and teacher feedback on student engagement during the interventions. Inter-rater reliability was used to monitor session delivery. Researchers were aware that people may lie about smoking status.

• Results:

  • The interventions were ineffective in reducing regular smoking among adolescents.
  • No significant difference in smoking behavior between the intervention and control groups at the 12-month follow-up assessment.

• Reasons for Ineffectiveness (implied):

  • Potential lack of perceived self-efficacy among adolescents regarding quitting smoking.
  • Lower than anticipated motivation to address smoking behavior in this age group.

• Methodological strengths:

  • Randomized sampling.
  • High ecological validity (classroom setting).
  • Standardization (same classroom, computer program) for both interventions.
  • Inter-rater reliability in monitoring session delivery.
  • Qualitative data gathering from diverse perspectives (teachers and students).

This quiz evaluates the effectiveness of smoking prevention and cessation programs for adolescents aged 13-14 using the Transtheoretical Model (TTM). Participants will explore different intervention methodologies, including computer-based and classroom sessions. Test your understanding of the program's implementation and key outcomes.