Efficacy of different methods in decreasing the students' tendency towards smoking

Smoking is the first cause of preventable morbidity and mortality in the world. This study aimed to compare different methods in reducing the students' tendency towards smoking. This semi-experimental study comprised all 7th grade students studying in middle schools throughout Iran in the year 2005-2006. Students were divided into 4 groups three study groups [social skills training, increasing knowledge and poster presentation] and 1 control group. Sampling method used was multi-phase cluster. The country was geographically divided into 5 districts [north, south, east, west and central] and the provinces were selected randomly. A questionnaire was used to collect the data. These questionnaires were designed to evaluate the attitude and knowledge of students with regard to smoking and complications. A total of 2911 students with the mean age of 13 years were studied out of which 7.4% were smokers. There were significant differences between the study groups and the control group regarding the attitude and knowledge about the hazards of smoking and abuse of illicit substances. In other words, among the study groups, social skills training, building knowledge and poster presentation had the best results, respectively. In evaluating the preventive methods, social skills training group had the most negative attitude and the highest level of knowledge concerning the disadvantages and hazards of smoking and use of illegal substances. The greatest decrease in smoking was also observed in this group. Social skills training can be an effective preventive measure to control smoking by emphasizing self-respect, problem-solving skills and self restraint

Assessment of the amount of knowledge and attitude of Tehran high school students regarding tuberculosis

Tuberculosis [TB] is a chronic infectious disease which is still a global health hazard. With the emergence of new more effective drugs, tuberculosis was expected to be completely eradicated; but, global reports show results to the contrary. It seems that, in addition to drug regimens, individual health and social factors, should be taken into consideration. This is not achievable except by increasing the knowledge and creating a positive attitude towards this disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge and attitude of high school students regarding TB in twenty-two areas of Tehran. A stratified, random sampling was performed in which 22 educational districts of Tehran were divided into five geographical areas [North, South, East, West and Central]. Two educational districts were chosen from each geographical area out of which four high schools [2 boys and 2 girls high schools] were selected. In each high school, 40 to 45 9[th], 10[th] and 11[th]-grade students were selected as the study group. A total of 5000 students were enrolled in this study and data were collected by face- to face interview and questionnaire. This study showed that the knowledge level of students regarding TB was low and they also, had a negative attitude towards tuberculosis [especially boys]. There was a positive relationship between the attitude and knowledge of students towards TB. The knowledge level decreased as the educational level increased. Considering the direct correlation of attitude and knowledge and also the important role of attitude in preventive behaviours, increasing the knowledge of adolescents about tuberculosis seems to be essential. This aim can be achieved by establishing national tuberculosis control committee and scheduling programs for general education of all students of the country in this regard