(55) Scenario based knowledge and refusal skill of adolescents on prevention of tobacco use in selected schools in Delhi, India

Abstract:

Introduction: Children aged between 10 and 19 years constitute 22.8% of the population (243 million) approximately in India. All tobacco products are harmful so no safe level of exposure to it. it has reached to pandemic level. Adolescents can be taught refusal skills (say NO) so not to initiate tobacco use.

Methods: A quasi-experimental two-group pre and post-test design among adolescents in the age group of 13-15 yrs. studying in 8th and 9th classes in selected schools of Delhi were enrolled. Intervention and control groups were in different settings. Data collected using subject data sheet, knowledge questionnaire and checklist on refusal skill. Pretest knowledge was assessed in group and scenario-based refusal skill was asses individually among 100 adolescents. 45 minutes refusal skill building programme was administered in group of 20-30 students. Post test was conducted after one month.
Result: Majority of subjects mean age were 13.6±0.58 in experimental and 13.99±0.33 in control group. Groups were comparable. The mean knowledge score in the pre-test of the intervention group was 13.3±6.20 and the posttest score was 38.6±8.89 with significant difference (z=2.235, p< 0.05). Refusal skill was significantly increased from pre-test 7.22±2.85 to post-test 19.08± 2.43 at p>0. 001.The mean posttest refusal skill 19.08±2.43 (experimental group) was higher than that 6.17 ±2.67 (control group) at (p < 0.001). There was positive correlation between knowledge and refusal skill (r=0.86, p< 0.001).

Conclusion: Increasing knowledge helps in better refusal skill when someone offers them. Scenario based refusal skill building programme was effective. It should be implemented in schools.