Experiences of the First Year Implementation of a Nationwide School-Based Smoking Prevention Program in Korea

Sookyung Kim, Seunghyun Yoo, Sung-il Cho, Hanna Jung and Yeaseul Yang
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Sookyung Kim: College of Nursing, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
Seunghyun Yoo: Graduate School of Public Health and Institute of Health and Environment, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
Sung-il Cho: Graduate School of Public Health and Institute of Health and Environment, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
Hanna Jung: Institute of Health and Environment, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
Yeaseul Yang: Institute of Health and Environment, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 6, 1-13

Abstract: Encouraged by the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, Korea has implemented a nationwide School-based Smoking Prevention Program (SSPP) to reduce the prevalence of youth smoking. This qualitative study explored the school contexts of launching the SSPP in Seoul, Korea. Five focus groups were studied with 29 lead teachers in charge of the SSPP. Thematic analysis reveals three key findings. First, while infrastructure was insufficiently prepared due to the abrupt implementation, lead teachers agreed on the purpose of the SSPP. However, they perceived the program as myopic in only targeting smoking students and spending the mandatory budgets as a burdensome task. Second, the SSPP increased experience-based activities, influenced smoking family members, and created a smoke-free school environment. Third, to ensure more effective implementation, school principals should support inducing staff engagement. The teachers also maintained that the SSPP must be institutionalized as part of regular curricula with standardized books. For a more meaningful impact, the SSPP needs instructors and counselors to support smoking cessation programs that reflect school contexts. The teachers urged tobacco prevention measures at community, policy, and society levels. This study provides insights into a nationwide approach to initiating school-based smoking prevention program to achieve a tobacco-free generation.

Keywords: smoking prevention; school health; program implementation; qualitative research (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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