# The Effect of Educational Intervention Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior in Prevention of Smoking in Male Students

## TL;DR

This study shows that an educational program based on the theory of planned behavior can help male high school students avoid smoking.

## Contribution

The study demonstrates the effectiveness of the theory of planned behavior in preventing smoking among male students.

## Key findings

- The intervention group showed significant improvements in knowledge and TPB components after the program.
- Behavioral intention and smoking prevention behavior increased significantly in the experimental group.
- The TPB-based education had a positive impact on students' attitudes and perceived control over smoking.

## Abstract

Background: One primary health issue that has significantly impacted a portion of society's youth is smoking. This study evaluates the influence of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) on male high school students' decision-making regarding smoking.

Methods: This experimental study was conducted in 2022 on 300 teenage students in Jahrom, Iran (150 individuals in the experimental group and 150 in the control group). The data collection instrument included demographic information, knowledge, and TPB-related questions (attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, behavioral intention, and smoking prevention behavior). Questionnaires were completed by both groups before and after the conclusion of the program. The experimental group participated in five 60-min training sessions. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 25, employing descriptive tests such as the independent t-test, paired t-test, and chi-square test (p < 0.05).

Results: Prior to education, no distinction was witnessed in the components of the TPB between the groups (p > 0.05). Postintervention, the intervention group exhibited an increase in knowledge scores from 10.89 ± 1.21 to 13.49 ± 1.64, attitude scores from 33.85 ± 1.23 to 51.69 ± 4.69, subjective norms from 4.52 ± 1.81 to 6.38 ± 1.86, perceived behavioral control from 18.38 ± 3.32 to 31.13 ± 1.54, behavioral intention from 6.93 ± 2.75 to 8.33 ± 2.87, and behavior from 6.75 ± 2.74 to 8.53 ± 2.68 (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: This study showed the impact of the TPB-based education on smoking avoidance behavior. Consequently, the program designed to avoid smoking can make advantage of this notion.