Abstract
Objectives: Given that the expansion of smoking cessation regulations in Korea generates great demand for smoking cessation services, healthcare professionals should be up skilled to make an important contribution to tobacco control. This study was aimed to develop a smoking cessation education program for nursing students and to try to find possible ways to incorporate the smoking cessation education in their regular course program. Methods: One group pre- & post-test design was used. The subjects were 70 nursing students from two universities in S and D city. Subjects were participated in a four-hour smoking cessation education program developed for increasing knowledge, competency, and self-efficacy for smoking cessation counselling. Data were analysed with descriptives and paired t-tests. Results: The developed education program for smoking cessation counselling produced a substantial effects in terms of knowledge, competency, and especially for self-efficacy for smoking cessation counselling. Conclusions: Smoking cessation advices and support from health professionals are key aspects of a comprehensive approach to smoking cessation. Incorporating the smoking cessation education program developed in this study in the regular baccalaureate program for nursing students may help increase the involvement of nurses in cessation counseling upon graduation.