Effect of Educational Intervention on Health Literacy and Adoption of Smoking Preventive Behaviors among University Students

Abstract

Background and Objective: Considering the increase in smoking among university students and the effect of health literacy on the adoption of preventive behaviors, this study aimed at determining the effect of educational intervention on health literacy and adoption of smoking preventive behaviors among students. Materials and Methods: The present study was a quasi-experimental interventional study that was conducted in 2016 among dormitory students of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Tehran. In this study, 130 students (65 in each intervention and control group) were selected, using random multi-stages sampling method and entered the study. Educational intervention was performed using Telegram application and educational messages were sent to the students of the intervention group in 6 sessions. The data gathering tools were demographic and background characteristics questionnaire, Health Literacy for Iranian Adults (HELIA), and smoking preventive behavior questionnaire, which were completed in 3 stages including before, immediately, and 3 months after the intervention. The data were collected and analyzed, using SPSS 16 software. Results: Before the intervention, there was no significant difference between demographic and background variables, underlying level of health literacy, and adoption of preventive behaviors in both groups (p>0.05). After the intervention, the mean scores of health literacy and adoption of smoking preventive behaviors increased significantly in experimental group compared to control group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Educational intervention through Telegram application is effective in promoting health literacy and the adoption of smoking preventive behaviors among university students.

Keywords

• Education
• Health Literacy
• Smoking
• Prevention
• Students