The effect of motivational interviewing technique on smoking desire and smoking cessation success in teachers

Introduction: Smoking, which remains one of the biggest public health threats facing the WORLD that still causes an average of more than eight million deaths per year worldwide, has become an epidemic. Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of motivational interviewing technique on smoking desire and smoking cessation success in teachers. Method: The research was conducted as an experimental (randomized controlled) type study and a Motivational Interview was conducted with the individuals in the experimental group. The sample of the research was selected from teachers who met the criteria for inclusion in the sample from secondary schools affiliated to the Central districts of Manisa Province. The research was completed with 30 smokers in the experimental group and 31 in the control group. As a data collection tool, Smoking Desire Scale, Smoking Cessation Success Prediction Scale and Sociodemographic Data Form were used. In the analysis of the data, chi-square test, Mann-whitney U test, Wilcoxon sign test, t test and regression analysis were used. Results: Smoking Cessation Success Prediction Scale, Smoking Cessation Success Prediction Scale Determination and Readiness Sub-Dimension of individuals in the experimental group; Health Perception and Appropriate Environment Sub-Dimension score averages were found to be higher than the control group (p<0.05). After the intervention, it was found that the individuals in the experimental group had lower scores on the Smoking Desire Scale compared to the control group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Within the scope of school health studies on combating smoking, it is suggested that motivational interviewing is used as a nursing initiative. Keywords: Smoking, Motivational Interviewing, School Health, Nursing.