Evaluation of a family-linked smoking programme in primary schools

Abstract

BASED on the findings of a large-scale survey of chil dren's smoking habits, carried out in Northern Eng land in 1982, a three-phase intervention programme was designed. This paper describes the effects of the first phase, aimed at nine and ten-year-olds, and their families. The effect was measured by a con trolled trial, involving 370 boys and 370 girls in a random sample of 32 primary schools. As a result of the intervention, there were significant decreases in smoking among boys and their fathers, but less posi tive results among girls and their fathers. Mothers showed no swing away from smoking. It was con cluded that a simple intervention package of this type, which is brought from school by the child and studied together with the parents, could be effective in helping to check family smoking. However, girls and their mothers appear to be harder to reach and influence than boys and their fathers. It is suggested that an intervention package of this kind could be used in general practice, as well as in schools.