RESUMEN
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe stage distribution of current and former smokers and to analyze significant variables that used by adolescents at each stage using the Transtheoretical Model. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed with 145 students attended to five high schools in one rural area. The survey instruments included stages and processes of change, decisional balance, self-efficacy, and knowledge related to smoking. RESULTS: Among the participants, 47.6% were in the precontemplation and contemplation stages, 20.7% were in the preparation stage, and the other 31.7% were in the action and maintenance stages. Analysis of variance tests revealed that behavioral processes, pros and cons of smoking, and self-efficacy were significantly associated with the stages of smoking cessation, while among 10 processes of change, self-reevaluation, self-liberation, and reinforcement management were significantly different by the stages. CONCLUSIONS: The study results suggest that smoking cessation programs should emphasize behavioral strategies, self-efficacy, and decisional balance to help students adopt and maintain smoking cessation