A cluster randomized trial comparing photoaging app and school based educational intervention for tobacco use prevention in adolescents.

ABSTRACT: Adolescent tobacco use is a major public health concern, particularly in sociocultural contexts like Oman, where smoking among males is prevalent. This study evaluates two interventions: a photoaging app (PA) and a school-based educational module (SBM), designed to improve knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors toward tobacco use in adolescent males. A cluster randomized trial was conducted among public school boys (grades 9-12) in North Al Batinah, Oman. Schools were randomized to receive either PA or SBM interventions. PA used a smartphone app to simulate photoaging effects of smoking, while SBM employed culturally adapted modules based on WHO's Tobacco Health Hazards Toolkit. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included tobacco knowledge, susceptibility scores, and attitudes. A total of

SUBMITTER: Al-Mahrouqi T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12048653 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature