The effects of the anti-smoking educational program entitled Run for Health

Abstract

Background: Anti-smoking Educational Program was developed in cooperation with the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate in Poland. The program is aimed at students in grades 4 of primary schools and is an innovative approach to prevent problems of smoking. Methods: The study involved 471 children at the age of 10 participating in the pilot program, 413 children at the age of 10 that did not participate in the program (control group). The study also involved 366 parents of children participating in the program and 345 parents of children who did not participate in it. Another group consisted of 80 teachers. We used experimental design including two measurements, and the experimental and control group. Findings: Children participating in the program had after classes: stronger motivation to care their health (z=-2.27, p<0.05, M1=4.82; SD = 0.53 vs. M2=4.94; SD=0.37), higher awareness of important factors influencing health: physical and mental condition (z=-2.74, p<0.01, M1=4.27; SD = 0.84 vs. M2=4.84; SD=1.02), inter alia. The analysis of the same variables showed lack of significant changes in the control group. Discussion: The measurement results on attitudes towards the health of children participating in the program, indicate a significant impact on program content perception of health as an important part of everyday functioning. The results should be regarded as sufficient recommendation to implement the program on a large, nationwide scale.