Health Education Research, Vol. 1, No. 3, 163-173, 1986
© 1986 Oxford University Press
research-article |
Factors influencing the decision to attempt to stop smoking in a media-based smoking intervention programme
The effects of a stop smoking series entitled So You Want To Stop Smoking? (SYWTSS) broad cast on British television in January February 1982 on attitudes, beliefs and intentions towards smoking, and behaviour (trying to stop) were assessed in two controlled studies carried out in workplace settings. In an experimental design, a total of 134 cigarette smokers were either shown the first two episodes of SYWTSS and were asked to watch the remaining four at home, or a control film. Attitudes, beliefs and intentions about smoking were measured in a post exposure question naire. A second questionnaire was sent to subjects 4 months later to assess behaviour (trying to stop). A causal model is proposed and used to test the size and direction of any film effects and the relationships between the post film measures and behaviour. The analysis suggested that the series was not effective in changing attitudes, beliefs and intentions towards smoking, or smoking behaviour itself, but the proposed causal model received some support. Intention to stop smoking was predicted by number of previous attempts to stop, confidence and perceived benefits of stopping smoking. Contrary to the model, intention did not predict behaviour. Significant direct effects of social class and number of previous attempts on behaviour are discussed.