Effects of a peer led intervention program on smoking prevention: a case example in Greece

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Adolescent Health
• Health Education

Background:

• Adolescent smoking remains a significant public health concern.
• Effective prevention strategies are crucial for curbing early smoking behaviors.
• Peer-led interventions show promise in engaging young people.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a peer-developed smoking prevention program.
• To assess the program's impact on smoking behavior, intent, knowledge, and attitudes.
• To determine the efficacy of audiovisual material developed by students.

Main Methods:

• Pilot study comparing an experimental group (n=237) with a control group (n=90) of high school students.
• Intervention involved peer-developed antismoking audiovisual material and group discussions.
• Data collected on smoking behavior, intent, knowledge, and attitudes over one year.

Main Results:

• The intervention significantly limited the increase in smoking behavior in the experimental group.
• No significant effects were observed on future intent to smoke, attitudes, or knowledge.
• The program demonstrated partial success in curbing experimental smoking.

Conclusions:

• Peer-developed smoking prevention programs can partially curb adolescent smoking behavior.
• Further research is needed to enhance program components affecting intent and attitudes.
• Targeted interventions are essential for comprehensive adolescent smoking prevention.