Experience-oriented tobacco-use prevention lecture using a COPD-simulation mask for junior high school students

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Medical Education
• Respiratory Medicine

Background:

• Tobacco smoking is a leading cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Adolescent smoking prevention requires innovative and impactful educational strategies.
• Understanding the physical limitations of COPD can influence attitudes toward smoking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a tobacco-use prevention lecture combined with a simulated COPD experience on adolescent attitudes toward smoking.
• To assess the impact of a COPD simulation mask on adolescents' understanding of the disease and their smoking-related social nicotine dependence.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 165 Japanese junior high school students (12-13 years old) participated in a 30-minute lecture and a 15-minute exercise session wearing a COPD simulation mask.
• Attitudes toward smoking were measured using the Kano Test for Social Nicotine Dependence (KTSND) before and after the intervention.
• Student perception of COPD suffering and satisfaction with the simulation mask were assessed via questionnaires.

Main Results:

• Total KTSND scores significantly decreased post-intervention (9.9 to 7.5).
• Wearing the COPD mask during exercise significantly increased perceived exertion (Borg scale scores from 0.7 to 3.2).
• Students who reported understanding COPD suffering showed significantly lower KTSND scores.

Conclusions:

• The tobacco-use prevention lecture with a COPD simulation mask is an effective and safe intervention for adolescents.
• Experiential learning through COPD simulation can enhance understanding of disease impact and reduce smoking inclination.
• This innovative approach holds promise for future public health education targeting youth smoking cessation.