Examining the Effectiveness of the Smoking Prevention Program “I Do Not Smoke, I Exercise” in Elementary and Secondary School Settings

Abstract

The aim of the study was to examine the effectiveness of the smoking prevention program "I do not smoke, I exercise" implemented with elementary and secondary school students. "I do not smoke, I exercise" is a theory-based smoking prevention program that promotes exercise as an alternative of smoking. The program consists of eight sessions implemented weekly. Participants were 338 Greek students (135 elementary and 203 secondary students) who were pre- and posttested in smoking, program, and exercise-related measures. The results showed that the program had significant effects on elementary students' attitudes toward smoking, intention to smoke, subjective norms, attitudes toward the application of the program, and knowledge about the health consequences of smoking. For secondary students, significant effects were found on students' perceived behavioral control and knowledge about the health consequences of smoking, while very few students reported a smoking experience before and after the intervention. Therefore the program "I do not smoke, I exercise" may have positive effects on variables related with smoking behavior. Differences in the program's impact on elementary and secondary students were identified. All these are discussed with reference to the need of implementing smoking prevention programs in schools contexts.

Sex Differences in Multilevel Factors of Smoking Experimentation and Age of Initiation in Korean Adolescents

“…This finding suggests a target age for smoking prevention programs; they would be most effective if implemented before the majority of adolescents start smoking (Hwang & Park, 2014;Park, 2009). Kolovelonis, Goudas, and Theodorakis (2016) reported that smoking prevention programs in elementary school settings had more positive effects to change elementary students' attitudes toward smoking, intention to smoke, subjective norms, and attitudes toward the application of the program in comparison to secondary students' attitude. Therefore, such programs should be provided to both sex groups by at least late in elementary school (Hwang & Park, 2014;Park, 2009).…”

Assessing the Impact of a Health Education Anti-Smoking Program for Students: A Follow-Up Investigation

“…Recent studies have effectively used the TPB to predict the link between smoking behavior and TPB's variables [26,27]. Moreover, it has been effectively used to design, implement, and evaluate theory-based, behaviorchange antismoking interventions [28,29].…”

“…Lareyre et al [30], after conducting a systematic review of TPB-based interventions for smoking behavior, found that the percentage of studies reporting a significant impact on smoking behavior, intention, attitude, subjective norm, or perceived behavioral control ranged from 42% to 50%. For example, results of studies applying health education behavior change interventions utilizing the TPB, intending to prevent smoking among adolescents, indicate significant effects on the TPB constructs post-intervention [29,[31][32][33].…”

Raising Awareness for Lung Cancer Prevention and Healthy Lifestyles in Female Scholars from a Low-Income Area in Bogota, Colombia: Evaluation of a National Framework

“…Moreover, other similar educational approach, the program BI do not smoke, I exercise^-a theory-based smoking prevention program that promotes exercise as an alternative of smoking-yielded positive effects on adolescents' awareness for lung cancer prevention in Greek secondary schools [28]. The authors highlighted the importance of integrating physical activity into smoking prevention strategies, especially to improve students' attitudes towards smoking and awareness about the health consequences of smoking [28].…”

“…Our findings align with those found in a similar single-group, pretest/posttest program evaluation of a teacher-led version of the St. Jude Cancer Education for Children Program (SJCECP) in fourth-grade students from 10 local schools in Memphis area [27]. Moreover, other similar educational approach, the program BI do not smoke, I exercise^-a theory-based smoking prevention program that promotes exercise as an alternative of smoking-yielded positive effects on adolescents' awareness for lung cancer prevention in Greek secondary schools [28]. The authors highlighted the importance of integrating physical activity into smoking prevention strategies, especially to improve students' attitudes towards smoking and awareness about the health consequences of smoking [28].…”