Study protocol of the X:IT II - a school-based smoking preventive intervention

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Adolescent Health
• Smoking Prevention

Background:

• The X:IT intervention previously showed smoking preventive effects but was less engaging for lower socioeconomic groups.
• Adolescent smoking prevalence is high in Denmark, with significant social inequalities.
• A recent plateau in smoking decline necessitates updated prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the revised X:IT II intervention for adolescent smoking prevention.
• To assess if the updated intervention benefits adolescents from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds equally.
• To determine the impact of modified intervention components on smoking uptake.

Main Methods:

• The revised X:IT II intervention includes stricter smoke-free school policies, updated online educational materials, and targeted parental involvement.
• Implementation across 46 Danish public schools from fall 2017 to summer 2020.
• Data collection via electronic questionnaires and qualitative interviews/observations.

Main Results:

• (Results not yet available in the provided abstract)

Conclusions:

• The X:IT intervention shows potential for adolescent smoking prevention.
• Evaluating the revised X:IT II is crucial, particularly its effectiveness across socioeconomic strata.
• Addressing social inequalities in smoking prevention is a key public health priority.