A study examined an assumption commonly held by many smoking prevention programs that social skills can affect the onset of tobacco smoking. Data from 129 sixth graders were used to predict smoking behavior 15 months later. Five skill variables emerged as the best predictors of future smoking. (Author/CB)

To influence children in deciding not to smoke, a program, Wisconsin Athletes Against Cancer, was designed and implemented in grades four through eight. Athletes served as role models and delivered anti-smoking messages. Athlete preparation, the presentation format, and feedback and evaluation methods are discussed. (JN)

Study assessed factors associated with teachers' implementation of health curricula. School representatives implemented one of three smoking prevention curricula in sixth or seventh grades. Experimental teachers received extensive curriculum training. Training significantly related to whether teachers implemented curricula. Variables outside…

Focus group interviews were used to gather information from adolescent participants that could be applied to the design of a smoking prevention program. Various students of low socioeconomic status took part in role plays, auctions, and guided discussions to learn about smoking attitudes. (Author/DF)

TAR WARS is an interactive, anti-tobacco program for fifth graders designed to promote positive health choices by increasing students' awareness of attitudes regarding tobacco use and the effects of tobacco on the body. The program encourages health care provider involvement in community health activities and mobilizes community support against…

Tested the construct validity of an effective psychosocial smoking-prevention curriculum on mediating variables considered responsible for decreasing adolescent smoking initiation, examining Social Cognitive Theory constructs hypothesized as essential for program effectiveness. Results of data from 6th graders in treatment and comparison groups…

Data from a 1992 statewide survey of students in grades 5-12 were analyzed to determine the extent to which cigarette smoking predicted alcohol and other drug use and acted as a gateway drug. Results indicated smoking was a powerful predictor for alcohol and drug use, and the relationship was dose responsive. (SM)

Fourth- through sixth-grade Mexican-American students were surveyed to identify gender differences for use of cigarettes, beer, wine/liquor, and marijuana. Overall, more males than females reported using larger numbers of substances with more frequency, though the differences tended to attenuate in the sixth grade. (SM)

This study examined the effect of an innovative smoking prevention program, the "Giant Texas SmokeScream," on 512 middle school students' knowledge, perceptions, and behavioral intent about smoking. The data indicated that the program had no effect on students and provided a basis for discussion of "proinnovation bias." The…

Sixth graders completed a survey investigating the relationship of school and home self-esteem to history of substance use, membership in alternative education programs, gender, and race. Both school and home self-esteem inversely related to tobacco, alcohol, and drug use. Students in nonmainstream programs had significantly lower home and school…

A rap contest methodology for smoking prevention was tested with 10-14 year olds in a predominantly minority school district. Contests occurred after initial assemblies where students heard and viewed taped peer antismoking rap messages. Winning students received $25. Pre- and posttesting indicated high preference ratings for the intervention. (SM)

Using data from a health behavior questionnaire, this study used cross-sectional and longitudinal approaches to predict sixth graders' smoking behavior, Predictor variables reflecting interpersonal and intrapersonal domains were included. Higher rates of accurate classification into smoking categories were achieved with cross-sectional analyses.…

Low-income Hispanic elementary students were surveyed to determine tobacco use patterns and sociobehavioral correlates. Tobacco experimentation rates increased by age, with boys more prone to starting than girls. Being offered cigarettes was the strongest environmental indicator of tobacco use, followed by having adult smokers at home, and having…

This study examined cross-sectional correlates of smoking during early and late adolescence to compare patterns of prediction of smoking at both stages. Intention to smoke was the strongest predictor of smoking during both stages, particularly in late adolescence, as well as being the strongest predictor of changes in smoking. (SM)

Reviews peer-led substance-abuse prevention programs for middle school youth to determine whether they are efficacious in minimizing substance use. A meta-analysis of 120 studies examined program features and effectiveness. Results indicated that interactive peer interventions for middle school students were statistically superior to…