Evaluation of a school based intervention program for preventing smoking among students of a high-school from Bucharest, Romania

Research question: 1. To evaluate the effectiveness (total effect and short-term versus long-term effects) of a school based program on preventing smoking among high-school students. 2. To determine the influence the general characteristics of the program (type, provider, intensity) have on its effectiveness. Background: According to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey 2018 Romania, the average age of initiation of tobacco use among 20-34-year-olds who were or are current daily smokers was 17.9 years. Initiation frequently starts with cigarette experimentation due to peer pressure and exposure in the school setting. There is a great variety of school-based tobacco control programs, with mixed results on controlling smoking-related behaviors. Possible methodology: We propose a school-based intervention-control study among students of a high-school in Bucharest to be implemented for the duration of four years. The study population will be represented by one generation of students followed from admission to graduation. A structured content of a smoking prevention program will be adapted to the specifics of the population under study and the other variables (age, duration, intensity). An anonymous self-administered questionnaire will be used at baseline (admission) and at follow-up at one year and four years (graduation) to evaluate program effectiveness and allow data analysis. Questions to discuss: 1. What are the elements that a smoking prevention program for high-school students should incorporated in order to be appropriate for their developmental needs and without provoking resistance from their part? 2. Is the provision of the program by the school doctor/nurse an advantage? 3. Barriers and obstacles for an appropriate assessment.