Factors Associated with Cigarette Smoking based on Constructs of Health Belief Model in Pre-University Students in 2011 in Isfahan, Iran

The present study aimed to determine the association between constructs of the health belief model (HBM) (i. e. perceived susceptibility to smoking health-related problems، perceived barriers to non-smoking، perceived benefits of non-smoking، and perceived self-efficacy to non-smoking and cues to action of non-smoking) and cigarette smoking among male pre-university students.

A cross-sectional survey of 382 pre-university students was conducted in Isfahan، Iran in 2011. The sampling method was systematic randomized and students were selected from eight schools. The instrument was developed by the researchers based on the HBM. Statistical analysis was carried out using chi square and independent t-tests.

The mean age of students was 17. 72 ± 0. 62 years. In total، 7. 2% of the subjects reported smoking in the past 30 days and 32. 7% of them also reported ever having smoked in their lifetime. Results of t-test showed that there were significant differences in knowledge، perceived susceptibility (P = 0. 03)، benefits (P = 0. 01)، self-efficacy (P < 0. 01) and cues to action (P = 0. 07) between smokers and non-smokers.

The results suggested that constructs of HBM can be incorporated when examining the predictors of cigarette smoking and developing smoking preventive programs among pre-university students. In addition، with a better understanding of factors affecting this complex behavior (cigarette smoking)، it can be a useful step to reduce rate of mortality، costs، and improve community health outcomes.