Articles

By the age of 15, more than one in seven young people are regular smokers.

A new smoking prevention programme called DECIPHer-ASSIST is being rolled out across the UK using peer influence in a positive way to try to persuade Year 8 children (aged 12-13) not to smoke. The programme targets young people in this age group in particular because they are seen as being at the ‘pre-experimentation’ stage and therefore the ideal age for prevention
measures to work.

Currently in action across Wales, the South West of England and parts of London, DECIPHer-ASSIST uses existing social networks to encourage informal conversations about the benefits of remaining smoke free. Young people identify the most influential peers in their year group through answering questions about trust, respect and leadership. The most influential 18% of students are then given comprehensive training covering topics including health, the environment, the law, the real cost of smoking, quitting and second hand smoke. This enables them to fulfil the role of Peer Supporter within the school environment by providing them with the necessary skills, knowledge and understanding. The original research trial was a joint initiative between Cardiff University and the University of Bristol. The evaluation was extremely rigorous and results were significant up to the 2 year follow up point. The intervention was also found by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence to be cost effective in their May 2009 review (School-based interventions to prevent smoking: cost effectiveness).

The results suggested that, if implemented on a population basis, the intervention could lead to a reduction in adolescent smoking prevalence of public health importance. Since publication in the Lancet medical journal in May 2008, increasing interest in the programme has led to the setting up of DECIPHer Impact Limited, a not-forprofit company which not only distributes DECIPHer-ASSIST, but also provides training and support for users.

For more information about the programme:
Website:www.decipher-impact.com
Email: sally.good@decipher-impact.com
Phone: 02920 786440