Smoking Behavior Based on Stages of Change Model Among Iranian Male Students in 2009-2010 Academic Year

According to the stages of change model, individuals are in the different stages of smoking behavior. The aim of current study was to analyze the smoking behavior based on stages of change model among the students of six Iranian universities during 2009-2010 academic year. This is a descriptive study using convenient sample method (N=578). Data gathering instrument was the short form questionnaire based on stages of change model. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied using SPSS software. Subjects ages ranged between 18-49 years, with a mean age of 23.2 ± 2.3. Average age for beginning smoking was 18.4 ± 3.2; the duration of smoking was 4.4 ± 3.3 years and the mean number of cigarette smoking per day was 9.09 ± 7.4. 268 cases (46.4%) and 83(14.4%) announced half and more than half of their friends are current smoker, respectively. 321 people (55.5%) were in precontemplation, 109 people (18.9%) in contemplation, 99 people (17.1%) in preparation, 27 people (4.7%) in action and 22 people (3.8%) in maintenance stage. About three quarter of the subjects were in precontemplation and contemplation stage and according to their age situation and known effect of smoking on their health it is necessary to encourage them smoke cessation intervention based on the stages of change model constructs. Meanwhile, 17.8% were in preparation stage and it’s a good opportunity for smoking cessation programs.