Methods: Quantitative approach with one group pre test, post test quasi experimental design was adopted for this study. Multi stage cluster random sampling technique was used to select the study area and purposive sampling technique was used to select the sample (Rural n =200, Urban n=200). Adolescents between the age group of 15-17 years and who were studying 10th class in selected schools in rural and urban area of Salem district, Tamilnadu was selected. Tool used for this study was self administered structured questionnaire on tobacco abuse. On the first day, pre test was administered and the second day STP was intervened to the selected sample. After 10 working days, post test was conducted by using the same structured questionnaire. A formal permission was obtained from school authority and from the sample. Finally, the data obtained was analyzed by the SPSS 17 software using Descriptive & Inferential Statistics like Percentages, Mean, S.D. Mean Percentage, t-test, paired t-test and Chi-square test at a significant level of P≤0.05
Results: Overall post test knowledge score on Tobacco abuse showed that, the majority of the sample had good knowledge (Urban 90.5% and Rural 88.5%).Results revealed that the urban school adolescents gained more knowledge than rural school adolescents. The STP implementation was effective and enriched the knowledge of adolescents on Tobacco abuse (Paired ‘t’ value = Rural 70.591 and Urban 86.391; P<0.000).
Conclusion: Significant difference was identified between rural and urban school of adolescents on their knowledge level on Tobacco abuse. The results indicated the STP intervention was very effective in enhancing the knowledge level of adolescents on Tobacco abuse