Using Intervention Mapping to Develop a Media Literacy-Based Smoking Prevention Program for Female Adolescents

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Adolescent Health
• Health Communication

Background:

• Female adolescent smoking rates in South Korea are rising, contrasting with declining male rates.
• Media portrayals of smoking and advertising significantly influence female adolescents' smoking initiation.
• A gender-specific, media literacy-focused smoking prevention program is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the development of a media literacy-based smoking prevention program (MLSP) for female adolescents.
• To detail the application of the Intervention Mapping Protocol (IMP) in creating the MLSP.
• To ensure the program addresses gender-specific needs and media influences.

Main Methods:

• The Intervention Mapping Protocol (IMP) was employed through six systematic steps.
• Needs assessment involved literature reviews and focus groups with adolescents and teachers.
• Program development included goal setting, method selection, material production, implementation planning, and expert/adolescent evaluation.

Main Results:

• Six performance objectives and 14 change objectives were established.
• Program modules integrated theory-based methods like consciousness-raising.
• Content focused equally on smoking media literacy and gender-specific intervention strategies.

Conclusions:

• The IMP facilitated a systematic, multi-perspective development of the MLSP.
• The developed MLSP was found to be acceptable and valid by experts and adolescents.
• This systematic approach ensures the program effectively addresses the target population's needs.