Review of the Applications of a Health Education Program “I Do not Smoke I Exercise” to Elementary, Junior High School and High School Students

Yannis Theodorakis, Evdoxia Kosmidou, Mary Hassandra, & Marios Goudas

Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, University of Thessaly, Trikala, Hellas

Abstract

A health education program toward smoking prevention was developed, based on four relevant theories (Social Cognitive Theory, Theory of Planned Behavior, Health Belief Model and Persuasion Theory). For the assessment of the program, 8 intervention studies were carried out. The total number of participants was 1230 students for in 9 different elementary, junior and senior high schools. This review shows that the program was more effective in elementary school than in junior and senior high school. The program was effective in senior high school, when elements about smoking cessation were included. In all intervention studies,knowledge about smoking was improved. Results are discussed according to the effectiveness of the rele- vant psychological theories used in this program. Future directions and implications are discussed.

Key words: smoking, exercise, prevention smoking, adolescents