Development of School-Based Smoking Cessation Program

Development of School-Based Smoking Cessation Program

 

Tobacco use is bad for the health of people since smoking causes many illnesses

including bronchitis, lung and heart disease and cancer, which may eventually lead to

death. Breathing environmental tobacco smoke also poses health risks among

nonsmokers. Tobacco-caused illnesses strain health-care systems, with lost productivity

amounting to billions of dollars yearly. Tobacco use is a preventable cause of death in

the face of more than 3,000 young people taking up smoking each day, with the majority

starting before 18 years of age. Tobacco use prevention measures should focus on

school-age children and adolescents since four of every five persons who smoke begin

before they reach adulthood and school health programs can be effective in preventing

smoking, which is addictive.[1] However, effective school-based smoking cessation

programs for aiding students who already have the habit and want to quit are rare. The

youth may benefit from the additional help that such programs can provide in their

quitting and sustaining of their motivation to quit.[2]

 

In general, a smoking cessation program aims to help smokers on how to quit the habit

and cope with problems during the process that otherwise would not be available to

them if they tried to quit on their own. Such a program will put smokers in touch with

people who are knowledgeable about quitting and who can help design a workable plan

for each smoker. It will also provide a support structure when withdrawal problems arise

and an affirmation sounding board on the smokers’ intention to quit, which will increase

their determination to succeed. The environment of program meetings will also make

smokers feel optimistic on their efforts to quit. Smoking cessation programs offer the

best hope for smokers wanting to quit the habit due to the increased health risks

including early death that are linked to the addiction. According to the American Heart

Association, between 20 and 40 percent of program participants are able for at least a

year to stay smoke free.[3]

 

Based on outcomes of a series of smoking cessation programs in U.S. high schools

from 2003 to 2006, students were found to be interested in quitting, but may need help

in sustaining their motivation to reduce or quit smoking. The young may reportedly find it

hard to maintain their motivation to quit on their own as this may change on a daily

basis due to changing circumstances in their lives, peer pressure and non-supportive

families and friends. Motivation and success in quitting is also seen to be influenced by

nicotine withdrawal symptoms including depressed mood, insomnia and irritability,

which indicates that students need help in managing this aspect. Young smokers were

also found to experience symptoms of nicotine dependence before smoking on a daily

basis. However, by the end of the exercise, about a third of the participants reduced

their weekly cigarette consumption by 90%.[4]

 

Curbing an addiction to smoking is difficult and a smoking cessation program in school

is important in supporting those who wish to quit the habit. Some pointers in improving

such a program are the following:[5]

1. Teen smokers must be identified and be personally asked to participate in the

    program. Confidential counseling and incentives such as credits and time off

    from classes may be offered.

2. Providing counseling through cell phones and computers will reduce pressure on

    students and make participation easier.

3. The students should not be pressured to quit, but instead be put in control of their

    desire to quit, with their own words to be reflected back on them.

4. Cognitive behavioral skills such as assertiveness training or stress management

    can be given to students to help them cope with daily events without relying on

    artificial substances including smoking.

 

 

 

[1] “Guidelines for School Health Programs to Prevent Tobacco Use and Addiction”, CDC, 2001, <http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00026213.htm>  [accessed 21 June 2011]

[2] Tyree Oredein et al, “Motivating Adolescent Smokers to Quit through a School-Based Program: The

Development of Youth Quit2Win”, pdf, 2008, <http://www.tobaccoprogram.org/pdf/Adolescent-Smoking&Health-08.pdf>  [accessed 21 June 2011]

[3] Gregory Hamel, “What are the Benefits of Smoking Cessation Programs?”, eHow health, 2011, <http://www.ehow.com/about_5366647_benefits-smoking-cessation-programs.html>

[accessed 21 June 2011]

[4] Tyree Oredein et al

[5] Lenna Allen, “How to Enhance a High School-Based Smoking Cessation Program”, eHow health, 2011,

<http://www.ehow.com/how_8341959_enhance-schoolbased-smoking-cessation-program.html>

[accessed June 21 2011]

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