[Smoking prevention through health promotion. A novel experience in schools of the northern region of Portugal].

Abstract

Tobacco consumption in Portugal remains a serious problem, particularly among young people. According to a 1987 CEE Expert Commission report, 45% of youth between the ages of 15 and 24 are regular smokers, and the rate seemed to be on the rise for young women. In an attempt to combat this tendency, the Portuguese Ligue Against Cancer, together with the Institute of Oncology implemented a comprehensive multi-level, multidisciplinary smoking prevention programme in the north of the country. Although the principle target group was youth (ages 5-17), the programme was designed to create an informed, supporting climate throughout the different participating communities. Various aspects targetting adults were also integrated into the project. The global programme was thus composed of school-based activities supported by community outreach activities and mass-media campaigns. Training programmes and materials were designed to enable teachers to integrate tobacco information and smoking prevention activities into their usual courses. Teachers were also given training in group dynamics and positive self-image preparation practices so that they were able to conduct workshops such as "global and positive approaches to health"; "saying no" exercises; and "responsibility to self and others", which made up part of the global programme. Youth workers outside of schools were also offered similar training programmes in order to be able to implement various smoking prevention activities within the community. The various community-level projects were carried out to complement the school-based programmes and targetted participation from throughout the community, parents and other adults, as well as the young people. Tee-shirt, poster competitions, and athletic competitions were among some of the more popular community-level activities.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)