[Smoking prevention and control among students of middle schools in Shanghai]

Abstract

Objective: To appraise the effectiveness of a school-based smoking control program and explore the effective smoking prevention and control intervention model in middle schools.

Methods: Through two phase cluster sampling, students in grade 1 and grade 2 of two schools were assigned to intervention group and control group. Comprehensive smoking intervention was implemented in the intervention group for one year. The assessment was carried out through three phases: baseline, after intervention, and 6-month after intervention.

Results: After intervention, the proportion of attempt smoking rate in the recent one year decreased from 9.7% to 4.2% and the heavy passive smoking rate declined from 15.5% to 12.2%. In addition, some knowledge, attitudes and skills related to tobacco prevention among the students in the intervention group were significantly improved and most effects can be sustained at 6-month follow up survey.

Conclusion: It is concluded that tobacco control in middle school was effective and feasible and it should be closely integrated with tobacco control in the community.