Application of the Protection Motivation Theory in predicting cigarette smoking among adolescents in China

Abstract

Reducing tobacco use among adolescents in China represents a significant challenge for global tobacco control. Existing behavioral theories developed in the West – such as the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) – may be useful tools to help tackle this challenge. We examined the relationships between PMT factors and self-reported cigarette smoking behavior and intention among a random sample of vocational high school students (N = 553) in Wuhan, China. Tobacco-related perceptions were assessed using the PMT Scale for Adolescent Smoking. Among the total sample, 45% had initiated cigarette smoking, and 25% smoked in the past month. Among those who never smoked, 15% indicated being likely or very likely to smoke in a year. Multiple regression modeling analysis indicated the significance of the seven PMT constructs, the four PMT perceptions and the two PMT pathways in predicting intention to smoke and actual smoking behavior. Overall, perceived rewards of smoking, especially intrinsic rewards, were consistently positively related to smoking intentions and behavior, and self-efficacy to avoid smoking was negatively related to smoking. The current study suggests the utility of PMT for further research examining adolescent smoking. PMT-based smoking prevention and clinical smoking cessation intervention programs should focus more on adolescents’ perceived rewards from smoking and perceived efficacy of not smoking to reduce their intention to and actual use of tobacco.

Modifying attitude and intention toward regular physical activity using protection motivation theory: a randomized controlled trial

“…This agrees with a meta-analysis of 65 related studies representing > 20 health issues (22). Increases in constructs such as perceived severity, perceived susceptibility, response efficacy, and self-efficacy simplified adaptive intentions or behaviours (23).…”

Knowledge and Attitude Towards Tobacco Smoking among 13-15 Year-Old School Children in Viet Nam - Findings from GYTS 2014

“…Previous studies on smoking adolescents in Asian countries identified that intrapersonal factors associated with adolescent smoking include lower levels of knowledge on the hazards of smoking among adolescents in China (Yan et al, 2014), positive attitudes towards smoking among Iranian adolescents (Nazarzdeh et al, 2013). In Malaysia, Lim et al also found that adolescents with better knowledge on the hazards of smoking and negative attitudes towards smoking were less likely to smoke (Lim et al, 2015).…”

Self-Efficacy: As Moderator of the relation between Family Factors and Adolescent Cigarette Smoking Behavior

“…It is also introduced as an important factor in preventing smoking behavior among adolescents: i.e. higher level of self-efficacy results in lower rates of smoking and lower level of self-efficacy increases rates of smoking behavior (Kear, 2002;Yan et al, 2013). A number of findings have demonstrated that there is a direct negative relationship between self-efficacy and cigarette smoking: i.e.…”

“…A number of findings have demonstrated that there is a direct negative relationship between self-efficacy and cigarette smoking: i.e. higher level of self-efficacy results in lower rates of smoking and lower level of self-efficacy yields higher rates of smoking behavior (Hiemstra et al, 2011;Yan et al, 2013).…”

“…Researchers have demonstrated that the effect of self-efficacy on behavior is pervasive and is well known to influence problem behaviors (Diane et al, 2005;Fagan et al, 2003;Hiemstra et al, 2011;Von et al, 2005;Yan, Jacques-Tiura, & Chen, 2013). It is one of the important individual/cognitive factors that is linked to cigarette smoking behavior in the teenage years and also refers to adolescents' confidence in their ability to stay a nonsmoker and to refuse a cigarette (Hiemstra et al, 2011;Yan et al, 2013). Self-efficacy is identified as the single most significant predictor of initiation, frequency and quantity of cigarette smoking behavior (Kear, 2002, Dian et al, 2005.…”