Stages and processes of smoking cessation among adolescents.

The purpose of this study was to identify the stages and processes of change related to smoking cessation among vocational technical high school students to provide baseline data for smoking cessation programs. Cross-sectional data were collected in April and May, 2004, from 300 male students at three vocational technical high schools in Korean metropolitan areas. The survey instruments included: decisional balance; self-efficacy; nicotine dependence; stages and processes of change; and knowledge related to smoking. The results indicated that 31.7%, 39.2%, and 29.1% of current smokers were in the precontemplation, contemplation, and preparation stages, respectively, and that 42.6% and 57.4% of former smokers were in the action and maintenance stages, respectively. Decisional balance, self-efficacy, and nicotine dependence were significantly associated with the stages of change. Regarding the processes of change, only behavioral processes were significantly associated with the stages of change, with experiential processes showing no significant relationship. The study results suggest that smoking cessation programs should emphasize behavioral strategies to help students progress through the stages.