Predictors of adopting smoking preventive behaviors by university students: the extended parallel process model fitness test

Background Avoiding smoking behavior is an important area of focus for health care professionals because of the destructive consequences of tobacco use. The present research aimed to explore the predictors of cigarette smoking preventive behaviors according to an extended parallel process model (EPPM).Methods This analysis was done among 343 medical sciences students. A linear and multivariate regression analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM) were used to examine the relationship between model structures and preventive smoking behaviors. Data were collected using a 3-part questionnaire, including demographic information, awareness, EPPM structures.Results According to SEM results, EPPM predicted 68% of the behavioral changes. SEM showed all model constructs have a significant relationship to smoking-preventive behaviors; the perceived susceptibility to smoking is influenced by perceived self-efficacy and perceived response efficacy is a stronger predictor of behavior.Conclusion The present findings can raise awareness of the main predictors of cigarette smoking among university students. EPPM can be a useful instrument for health policy-makers and can act as the theoretical background for behavior assessment, reduction or prevention of cigarette smoking. It can probably be used as a guideline for developing effective standards and strategies or goal-oriented interventions to cut down on the rate of cigarette smoking.