Assessment of the Knowledge and Attitude of Male Students towards Smoking Based on Health Belief Model

Introduction: These days, smoking is a global problem and the most common preventable cause of death in the world, accounting for about one-eighth of all deaths in the world. Considering the importance of smoking prevention, especially in high school boys who cover the majority of adolescents in the country, the purpose of this study was to investigate the knowledge and attitudes of male students towards smoking based on the health belief model.Methods: In this observational cross-sectional study, ۲۵۰ high school male students in Fasa were studied. First, ۵ high schools were identified by cluster sampling method and ۵۰ students of each designated high school were randomly entered into the study. Then, the researcher made questionnaire including demographic information and health belief model constructs was given to them. Health belief model constructs were measured with a ۵-point Likert scale. Data analysis was done using frequency distribution tables by SPSS ۱۶.۰.Results: The mean age of students was ۱۶ ± ۰.۶۵. Mean scores of knowledge, behavior, perceived sensitivity, perceived intensity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers and students' self-efficacy were ۵.۰۰ ± ۱.۰۰, ۳ ± ۱.۰۳, ۳ ± ۰۰۱, ۹ ± ۱.۰۰, ۱۰ ± ۱.۰۰, ۵ ± ۱.۰۰, and ۷ ± ۱.۰۰ respectively.Conclusion: The results showed that students' knowledge is moderate comparing to the standard state and their attitudes in the areas of self-efficacy, perceived benefits and perceived intensity were moderate to high.

Keywords:

Health Belief Model , Attitude , Awareness , Smoking , Male students