[Results of a controlled randomized study on prevention of smoking habit in adolescents]

We describe the results of a randomized controlled study on the efficacy of a smoking prevention program based on behavioral methods (Waterloo Smoking Prevention Program 1, adapted). 792 children of 12-13 years of age from the Health District of Rozzano (MI) were the study base. The program was delivered directly by voluntary teachers during school classes. Two follow-up, at 18 and 36 month from the end of the program were conducted using self-administered questionnaire and telephonic interviews. At 36 months the proportion of non-smokers was higher in the intervention group (55% vs 44%; OR (adjusted for clustering) = 1.7; p = .03) and that of regular (at least one cigarette a week) smokers lower (22% vs 39%) than in the control group. We found no difference of effect between males and females students. Social pressure associated with starting to smoke (friends, sibsters, parents smokers) measured before intervention had no demonstrable influence on efficacy. We propose this kind of intervention for Italian students as an effective and low-cost program, even though more research is needed to maintain effectiveness of these kind of programs beyond adolescence.