Factors Associated with the Smoking Cessation Behavior according to the Transtheoretical Model in Korean College Students

Objectives: The purposes of this study were to examine the contribution of each of the Transtheoretical Model components in explaining stages of smoking cessation and to identify factors associated with the smoking cessation behavior among Korean college students. Methods: The participants for this study were 334 undergraduate students who enrolled in general education courses. Self-report surveys were distributed and returned. The survey variables comprised the stages of change for smoking cessation, self-efficacy, decisional balances and processes of change in smoking cessation. Results: Significant differences were noted in the five stages of change for self-efficacy, decisional balance, and the processes of change. The strongest factor associated with the smoking cessation behavior was self-efficacy. Conclusion: Study findings indicate application of the Transtheoretical Model may be useful to enhance future smoking cessation efforts in college students. The strategies to enhance smoking cessation self-efficacy in college students will be an important intervention component in future studies.