Adolescent peers and anti-smoking activities
1Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health, Hacettepe University, Sihhiye, Ankara, Turkey. daslan@superonline.com
Promotion & Education
|May 29, 2007
Summary
A five-day peer education program using creative drama increased adolescent awareness and knowledge about anti-smoking issues. While smoking prevalence didn't significantly decrease, the training positively impacted students' attitudes toward smoking prevention.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Adolescent Health
- Health Education
Background:
- Adolescent smoking remains a significant public health concern.
- Effective anti-smoking interventions for high school students are crucial.
- Peer education offers a promising approach to influence adolescent health behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a five-day peer education training program incorporating creative drama techniques.
- To assess the impact of the program on anti-smoking activities among 10th-grade adolescents.
- To examine changes in knowledge, attitudes, and smoking prevalence.
Main Methods:
- A five-day intensive training program for peer educators.
- Utilized participatory, interactive, and creative drama techniques.
- Implemented anti-smoking activities in a high school setting with a control group.
Main Results:
- Smoking prevalence did not significantly decrease, but student awareness of anti-smoking issues increased.
- Significant positive changes in knowledge and attitudes regarding smoking were observed compared to the control group.
- The training provided an enjoyable educational experience for peer leaders.
Conclusions:
- Well-trained peer counselors can positively influence friends' knowledge and attitudes about smoking.
- Behavioral changes in smoking may require longer intervention periods (≥6 months).
- Peer counseling programs incorporating creative drama show potential for adolescent anti-smoking efforts.
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