TITLE:
Effectiveness of a course in the control of tobacco use for university health students: A quasi-experimental community intervention trial
AUTHORS:
Daniel Fernandez, Antonio Molina, Vicente Martin, Beatriz Ordas, Jose Manuel De Luis
KEYWORDS:
Tobacco; Students; Nursing; University; Intervention
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Nursing,
Vol.3 No.4,
July
26,
2013
ABSTRACT: Introduction: The aim of the
study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a tobacco control course in the
reduction of prevalence and the improvement of knowledge and attitudes among
university health students. Method: Quasi-experimental study on a community
based intervention. Interventional campus students received a tobacco control
course in the first year of the degree. Data were collected by Self-Answered
Questionnaire during three academic years in two graduations years among health
students in both campuses. Results: 84.4% of students participated in the
study. In both campuses tobacco use was reduced, not significantly, above all
in those joining courses from origins other than baccalaureate. In the intervention
and control campus showed an increase in the nicotine dependency according to Fagerstr?m
test and a little change in motivation according toRichmondtest. The regression model best
explaining the improving of the knowledge
included academic course mainly and campus and academic background too.
With regard to opinions and beliefs tobacco use was not influenced, being
associated in general to the academic course. Conclusions: A specific tobacco
control course did not change prevalence of tobacco, nicotine dependence and
motivation to give up. The improvement in knowledge was associated with academic
course in both campuses. We recommend to commence smoking cessation strategies
in university health students.