Date of Conferral

2018

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Andrea Jennings

Abstract

Adolescents and young adults use more tobacco than all other adults, yet the percentage of this younger population eventually quitting the use of tobacco is lower. There is little evidence-based research to support adolescent smoking cessation programs. Using social learning theory (SLT) and the stages of change model, the purpose of this project was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Not-On-Tobacco (N-O-T) program, an evidence-based adolescent smoking cessation program, in reducing or preventing the number of cigarettes smoked by high school boarding students and to evaluate how best to individualize the program for this high school going forward. The DNP questions were asked to see to what extent the N-O-T program would reduce the prevalence of student smoking and what changes to the current program curriculum should be made to tailor the program to this particular high school. Pre- and post survey data were obtained from 10 students 15-17 years of age enrolled in the N-O-T program for violating the campus' tobacco-free policy. A secondary data analysis using paired samples t test did not determine a statistically significant effect on smoking cessation in this small population of students. The findings did show a significant positive correlation between those who found the program 'very helpful' and a decrease in the number of cigarettes smoked pre- and post program. Content analysis of student data resulted in recommendations to modify the program to make it more effective for this school. Awareness of interactions and relationships with others and successfully dealing with social changes through a program like the N-O-T program will lead to increased life-long health benefits, decreased medical costs, and lost productivity associated with tobacco use. School nurses are in an ideal position to implement a successful smoking cessation program.

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