Adaptation of an eHealth web-based intervention for youth smoking prevention and cessation in the Middle East

Tobacco control is a major concern in the Middle East, especially with a large proportion of the population (50-60%) under age 25. This project will conduct a cultural adaptation in three languages (Arabic,Farsi,Hebrew) of an Internet-based intervention for youth smoking prevention and cessation studies. The Web-based intervention (Smoking Zine) has been developed and evaluated in Canadian populations. This study aims at knowledge transfer of this innovative eHealth intervention targeting smoking as the largest preventable cause of pre-mature mortality in the Middle East. A ten-step process model will be used for the cultural adaptation of the Smoking Zine website. Useability studies will be conducted with youth in the region (Palestinian Territories, Jordan, Israel, Iran) to test and refine the website. Youth engagement around smoking will be undertaken in the region using a six-phase participatory action research model. Special attention will be given to high risk populations and indigenous Bedouin youth. This study will lay the foundation for large scale randomized controlled trials of the impact of the Smoking Zine Web-based intervention for youth smoking prevention. A related aim is to build Arab-Israeli cooperation through this collaborative research project.