The Effects of Knowledge about the Harmfulness of Smoking and Attitude Toward Smoking Temptation for Middle School Students

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of knowledge about the harmfulness of smoking and attitude toward smoking temptation for middle school students. METHODS: A survey was conducted in this study on 745 students from 12 middle schools in the Y City. Data were analyzed with SPSS/WIN 12.0 using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANCOVA, Scheffe's test and multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: There was statistically significant difference in knowledge about the harmfulness of smoking (F=2.88, p<.05) and attitude toward smoking (F=54.61, p<.001). And there was statistically significant difference in smoking temptations among tempting factors such as negative mood of individual (F=63.61, p<.001), positive mood of social situation (F=67.08, p<.001), habitualness (F=57.68, p<.001), weight control (F=33.01, p<.001), and others' smoking (F=73.13, p<.001). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that smoking-cessation programs to enhance the effectiveness of nursing interventions should be tailored to the level of smoking temptation and that educational programs should be developed for middle school students.