Web-based Media Literacy to Prevent Tobacco Use among High School Students

Authors

Jane S. Phelps-Tschang, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PAFollow
Elizabeth Miller, Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PAFollow
Kristen R. Rice, VA Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PAFollow
Brian A. Primack, Center for Research on Media, Technology, and Health, University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences, Pittsburgh, PA; Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA; Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PAFollow

Abstract

Facilitator-led smoking media literacy (SML) programs have improved media literacy and reduced intention to smoke. However, these programs face limitations including high costs and barriers to standardization. We examined the efficacy of a Web-based media literacy program in improving smoking media literacy skills among adolescents. Sixty-six 9th grade students participated in a Web-based SML tobacco education program based on health behavior theory. Pre- and post-test assessments demonstrated statistically significant changes in the primary outcome of total SML as well as each of the individual SML items. However, there were inconsistent changes in other theory-based outcomes including attitudes and normative beliefs.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.

Recommended Citation

Phelps-Tschang, J. S., Miller, E., Rice, K. R., & Primack, B. A. (2016). Web-based Media Literacy to Prevent Tobacco Use among High School Students. Journal of Media Literacy Education, 7(3), 29-40. https://doi.org/10.23860/jmle-7-3-3