Effects of a Theory of Planned Behavior-Based Program on  E-Cigarette Prevention among Female Students in Bangkok

Wanattaporn Pimpan; Naruemon Auemaneekul; Arpaporn  Powwattana; Surintorn Kalampakorn

Authors

Wanattaporn Pimpan Department of Public Health Nursing, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Thailand, Email: wanattaporn.pimpan@gmail.com
Naruemon Auemaneekul Department of Public Health Nursing, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand, Email: naruemon.aue@mahidol.ac.th
Arpaporn Powwattana Department of Public Health Nursing, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand, Email: arpaporn.pow@mahidol.ac.th
Surintorn Kalampakorn Department of Public Health Nursing, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand, Email: surintorn.kal@mahidol.ac.th

Keywords:

Theory of planned behavior , Female students, E-cigarette prevention program, Quasi-experimental study

Abstract

This quasi-experimental study evaluated effects of program applying the Theory of Planned Behavior to preventive behavior from e-cigarette smoking among female junior high school students in Bangkok. Sixty Grade 8 students were equally assigned to an experimental group and a comparison group. The 6-week intervention comprised female peer-leader preparation and four participatory workshop sessions designed to improve attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and intention to abstain from e-cigarette use. Data were collected pre-intervention, post-intervention, and at two-week follow-up.

Research instruments included questionnaires assessing attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, intention, and prevention behaviors. Content validity was verified by three experts, yielding CVI values of 0.85–1.00. Reliability was high, with Cronbach’s alpha ranging from 0.80 to 0.96. Data were analyzed using Chi-Square test, Fisher’s Exact Test, Friedman Test, Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test, and Mann–Whitney U Test.

Results showed that, after the intervention and at follow-up, the experimental group had higher mean scores for attitude and subjective norm compared with baseline (p<.05). Perceived behavioral control and intention did not change. Prevention behavior increased post-intervention (p<.05) but was not maintained at follow-up. Between groups, the experimental group scored higher across variables (p<.05).

The findings indicate that the program improved attitudes, subjective norms, and short-term prevention behavior. Strategies are needed to strengthen perceived behavioral control, reinforce intention, and sustain change. Adapting the program for other adolescent female groups in non-formal education and working with families is recommended to support long-term outcomes.

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