A Review of Studies Related to Smoking in High Schools

Abstract

The purpose of this literature review is to analyze and summarize body of
knowledge regarding tobacco control in high schools in Thailand. The samples were
the published and unpublished research studies from 2006 – 2010. Fifty-two studies
were considered appropriate for this review. The results indicated that the majority
of research studies were master thesis. These studies can be categorized into three
groups: smoking behaviors and related factors; smoking prevention; and smoking
cessation intervention. This review also found that psychosocial factors related to
smoking include attitudes towards smoking, health locus of control, perceived
benefit of smoking, and perceived susceptibility. Moreover, information about
smoking from media and tobacco control curriculum in schools also influence on
smoking behaviors of students. A limited number of smoking cessation studies
suggested group counseling with person-centered approach, applying self-efficacy
theory, and close follow-up as effective strategies to promote smoking cessation.
The role of family and social networks in promoting cessation need to be explored.
Also, further research needs to include more intervention studies to demonstrate
the effectiveness of smoking cessation program for adolescent populations.