Targeting early antecedents to prevent tobacco smoking: Findings from an epidemiologically based randomized field trial

08/01/2025 | PAXIS Institute |

OBJECTIVES: This study examined whether interventions aimed at aggressive/disruptive classroom behavior and poor academic achievement would reduce the incidence of initiation of smoking.

METHODS: An epidemiologically based, universal randomized preventive trial involved 2311 children in 2 classroom-based preventive interventions or controls. Each intervention was directed at 1 of the aforementioned 2 antecedents over first and second grades in 19 urban schools.

RESULTS: Smoking initiation was reduced in both cohorts for boys assigned to the behavioral intervention.

CONCLUSIONS: Targeting early risk antecedents such as aggressive behavior appears to be an important smoking prevention strategy.

Citation: Kellam SG & Anthony JC. 1998. Targeting early antecedents to prevent tobacco smoking: Findings from an epidemiologically based randomized field trial. American Journal of Public Health, 88, 1490-1495.

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