Differences in evaluations of a tobacco awareness and cessation program by adolescents in four stages of change

This study determined whether adolescents in four stages of change provided significantly different ratings on evaluations of a tobacco awareness and cessation program and the program facilitators. A systematic sample of 639 adolescents in four stages of change (precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, and action) was used for analysis. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences in ratings on 'Cessation Skills,' 'Situation Management,' 'Overall Facilitator,' and 'Facilitator Likeability' evaluations between the groups. Follow-up analysis revealed that adolescent precontemplators provided significantly lower ratings than those in preparation and action, and adolescents in action provided significantly higher ratings than precontemplators and contemplators. This study suggests a need to assess the stage of the adolescent at the beginning of the program in order to provide the facilitator the opportunity to engage and motivate adolescents who are in the precontemplation and contemplation stage of change. This study also provides important information for facilitator training, program planning, and program delivery. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.