Effectiveness of E-learning program in preventing Waterpipe smoking inadolescent females in western Iran

Background: Given the increasing trend of Water pipe (WP) smoking in adolescent females, it isnecessary to use effective educational strategies in preventing WP smoking in developingcountries. We aimed to determine effectiveness of e-learning program in preventing WP smokingin adolescent females west of Iran using prototype-willingness model. Study Design: Arandomized controlled trial.Methods: This study was performed on ۲۲۱ adolescent females in Kermanshah City, Iran during۲۰۱۹-۲۰۲۰. Multistage random sampling was used. Data collection tool included a researchermadequestionnaire based on prototype-willingness model. E-learning-based intervention programincluded ۵ training sessions. Participants were followed up for ۳ months after the intervention. Thedata were analyzed using SPSS software.Results: The mean scores of attitude, subjective norms, prototype, intention, and behavioralwillingness structures were similar in both experimental and control groups before the educationalintervention. However, after educational interventions, mean scores of structures of positiveattitude towards WP, subjective norms about WP smoking, positive prototype about WP smokers,intention, and behavioral willingness towards WP smoking were decreased in the experimentalgroup. Moreover, frequency of WP smoking was decreased in the experimental group compared tothe control group after the educational intervention (P=۰.۰۰۳).Conclusion: The use of e-learning-based interventions is an educational strategy for reducing WPsmoking in adolescent females.