Preparatory pupils smoking behavior in Alexandria

ABSTRACT

The present study was conducted to assess pupil's knowledge, behavior about smoking. Their beliefs, attitude and intention were assessed based on the principals of theory of planned behavior [TPB]. A questionnaire was developed by the researchers and completed by 400 first grade preparatory school pupils [200 males, 200 females] from the west zone of Alexandria Governorate. It was found that 44.5% of females had satisfactory level of knowledge compared to 0.0% of males. It was noticed 92.7% of them had positive attitude toward non-smoking with higher percentage among females. It was observed that 71.5% of them had high general subjective norm with higher percentages among males. It was revealed that 88% of them had high-perceived behavioral control with higher percentages among females. It was demonstrated 88.5% of them had high intention not to smoke with higher percentage among females. The results revealed that 2.5% of the pupils are current smokers with higher percentages among males [3%]. Behavioral control [beta=0.176] and attitude toward non-smoking [beta=0.06] were the predictors of intention not to smoke. Knowledge [beta=2.302], indirect attitude toward non-smoking, intention not to smoke [beta=-1.225], behavioral control and general subjective norms were the predictors of smoking behavior. As part of NGOs to control smoking, this research was adopted by Social Welfare Association-Karmouz-Alexandria