Are social-psychological smoking prevention programs effective? The Waterloo study.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Adolescent Health
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Previous smoking prevention programs show promise, particularly those focusing on social influences.
• Key methodological limitations in prior research needed addressing for robust evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To rigorously evaluate the effectiveness of a social influence-based smoking prevention curriculum.
• To address methodological limitations in previous studies of smoking prevention programs.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-two matched schools were randomized into experimental and control groups.
• A 6-week core curriculum was delivered to Grade 6 students, with follow-up sessions in Grades 7 and 8.
• Validated self-reported smoking behavior using questionnaires and saliva samples over a 2-year period.

Main Results:

• Significant program effects were observed, particularly for students with initial smoking experience.
• The program demonstrated effectiveness for adolescents with smoking peer and family role models.
• This study provides the most methodologically rigorous test of social influence programs for smoking prevention to date.

Conclusions:

• Social influence programs are effective in preventing adolescent smoking.
• The curriculum demonstrated significant effects for high-risk youth, including those with prior smoking exposure and social influences.
• This research offers strong evidence supporting the use of social influence strategies in smoking prevention efforts.