Social Cognitive Theory on Smoking Cessation - Article Analysis Essay

Introduction

Zheng et al. (2007), assessed the effectiveness of group smoking intervention in the Changqiao, Shanghai society by carrying studies on 225 individuals. The social cognitive theory was applied in facilitating the intervention and its effectiveness deduced by comparison of the ratio of smoking quitting in two groups created with and without the intervention. It should be noted that social cognitive theory holds that the portions of a person's knowledge acquisition are directly related to the observation of others within the social context and other influences. In this regard, one hundred and eighteen individuals composed the group where the intervention was applied while one hundred and seven individuals made up the group without the intervention. Smoking of tobacco is a detrimental behavior in society as it has several adverse effects to individuals addicted to it. In this regard, there are several efforts and methods applied by the government and its agencies in a bid to curb the behavior. Intervention is one of the weapons available to the government in the fight against tobacco smoking. Since the method has several theories it can use, it is essential that the effectiveness of these methods be ascertained. In this respect, Zheng et al. (2007) aimed at establishing the efficacy of social cognitive theory in facilitating the quitting of smoking behavior.

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Various methods were utilized in the study from the initial stage of mobilization of recruits' stage, categorization of the group, data collection, and data analysis. Mobilization of recruits took place through various methods like interpersonal communicating, advertising and broadcasting in society. Different ways were crucial to aid in convincing a significant number of qualified recruits in the study to enhance the credibility of the research. Grouping of smokers into two groups, the intervention group, and the control group was undertaken randomly. Clustering of the smokers was for comparison purposes of the results from the different groups. One hundred eighteen recruits formed the intervention group while one hundred and seven recruits formed the control group. Questionnaires and interviews were employed widely in data collection step. The intervention group received a three-week training course while the control group received brief advice on quitting smoking just after the baseline investigations were undertaken. The statistical package was employed in the collected data analysis.

The social cognitive theory was implemented by further subdividing the initial 118 individuals into eight groups based on their location in the society and subsequent observation and analysis of data on their behavior. Three health education professionals delivered five two hour session course. In each session, four or five activities were undertaken using standardized teaching materials for both the trainers and the trainees. These sessions discussed the components of smoking, the adverse health effects of tobacco smoking, preparation quitting the behavior and outlaying a quitting plan. Also, various relaxation methods, stopping tips, the financial implications of smoking were also discussed in the sessions. The trainers incorporated the help of successful quitters to help share their experiences to provide hope and encouragement to the smokers in the final session. Another researcher followed up on the groups through the phone after the baseline interview and the offering of the training course to the intervention group and advice to the control group. The aim of the follow up was to provide information about the smokers in the different groups that would facilitate comparison.

Results obtained on the end of a six month follow up study depicted more frequent smoking quitting in the intervention group compared to the control group. 40.5% of smokers had stopped smoking in the intervention group compared to 5% in the control group. Significant differences are also evident in anticipation of quitting and the SE scores of participants that had stopped and those that did not stop in the two groups. These results were closely related to those obtained in the one year follow up. From the results, it was evident that applying the social cognitive theory in group cessation programs upped the ratio of smoking quitting significantly. Therefore, the results depicted the approach as a useful tool and sustainable too in the fight against tobacco smoking. In this regards social cognitive theory can be employed by various groups and organizations fighting tobacco smoking.

On consideration of the processes and methods applied in the study, I agree with the way the social cognitive theory was used in this study. The procedures employed in the study are well laid out from the start of the study illustrated that Zheng et al. (2007), indulged at great length observational learning, modeling, and self-efficacy. By identifying a study population fitting their requirements and subsequently dividing it into two. Then educating one on the importance of quitting smoking and further observing the two groups and collecting helpful data illustrates well the ideals of the social cognitive theory in group smoking cessation.

Conclusion

The transtheoretical model can be applied as an alternative to the social cognitive theory. The model predicts that individuals undergoing smoking cessation will move through six stages which are the pre-contemplation, determination, action, relapse, and maintenance. With an already determined cycle of action for smokers to undergo before quitting smoking, the smokers can be subdivided into two groups, the intervention group, and the control group. After this, the control group will be given classes on the importance of quitting and the control group just advised on the advantages of stopping. The different groups will be assessed and the individuals observed as they move through the various stages of transforming to non-smokers. The results will then be analyzed and deduced to gauge the significance of the method.

References

Zheng, P., Guo, F., Chen, Y., Fu, Y., Ye, T & Fu, H. (2007). A randomized controlled trial of group intervention based on social cognitive theory for smoking cessation in China. Journal of Epidemiology. 17(5), 147-55.