Predictors of Smoking Preventive Behavior based on Empowerment Components among Male Students of High Schools: a cross-sectional study in Iran

Abstract Background: Smoking among adolescents and young adults is believed to be one of the most important preventable health problems. The etiology of smoking is one of the most pivotal activities in designing prevention programs. The aim of this study is to determine the correlates between components of empowerment in the context of smoking prevention in adolescents. Methods:This cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out on 422 high school male students in Spring 2020. The data collection tool of this study was a valid and reliable researcher-made questionnaire containing demographic charectheristics, items related to various components of empowerment, and items related to the smoking preventive behavior(SPB). A linear regression model was used, where the “SPB” outcome variable assumed three possible values: Sensation Seeking, Problem-solving skills, Self-efficacy, Self-esteem, Dependence on group and Attitude towards smoking, while taking those variables reported in previous literature as independent variables.Results: The results revealed that 10.42% of the students were active smokers and 40.75% of them had the experience of smoking. The results also showed a positive and significant relation among problem-solving skill (r=0.394, P<0.001), self-efficacy (r=0.340, P<0.001), self-esteem (r=0.310, P<0.001), and attitude (r=0.333, P<0.001) with the SPB. In addition, a negative and significant correlation was observed between group dependence (r=-0.313, P<0.001) and the SPB. Overall, the components of empowerment were able to explain 26.5% of the variance in SPB. Among the components, problem-solving skills solely explained 15.5% of variance of SPB.Conclusion: The present study suggested that the findings could be useful for researchers and health planners for designing and implementing appropriate health interventions to prevent and control smoking in adolescents.