Effects of student perceptions of social skills on their perception of smoking.

BACKGROUND This study was conducted as a descriptive-correlational exercise with the aim of determining the effect of student perceptions of social skills on their pro and con perceptions of smoking. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study sample comprised 106 students at 6th, 7th and 8th grades in three primary schools. The data were collected through socio-demographic data collection form, Social Skill Perception Form and Child Decisional Balance Scale. Data were evaluated by percentage calculation, Student t test and correlation analysis. RESULTS While the point average of pro perception of smoking of the students with a high point average of social skill perception, was 8.6±3.1, in those with a low social skill perception point average it was 10.7±4.2, the difference being significant(p=0.012). The respective point averages of con perceptions were 26.8±3.7 and 23.5±3.3, again significant (p=0.000). While a positive medium level (r=0.410) relationship was determined between the point average of social skill perception and con perception of smoking, a negative low level (r=0.281) relationship was determined with the pro perception of smoking. CONCLUSIONS As the social skill perception point average increases, children's con perceptions of smoking increase and their pro perceptions decrease.