Collaborative Approach Between Health Professionals to Smoking Cessation Among Students in Albacete: A Peer-to-Peer Focus

Abstract: Smoking is the main preventable cause of morbidity and mortality in Spain, with a particular incidence among young people. Universities offer a key opportunity to implement effective tobacco prevention and cessation strategies. Objectives: To train health professionals and first and second year students of Health Sciences of the Albacete Campus (Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy and Psychology) in prevention and tackling smoking, and to implement peer-to-peer community interventions aimed at university and high school students. Metodology: The project is structured in three phases: 1. Postgraduate online course (30 ECTS credits) for health professionals.2. Face-to-face workshops for students in Health Sciences, differentiating between smokers motivated to quit and non-smokers interested in supporting smokers during the cessation process. Clinical interviews, cooximetry, cognitive-behavioural techniques and validated materials are used.3. Trained student-led interventions, supervised by professionals, in educational settings. Evaluation of all phases includes pre- and post-tests, clinical case monitoring and satisfaction surveys. Expected results: This project aims to improve participants' knowledge and skills in preventing and tackling smoking, as well as reducing tobacco use in young people participating in the creation of healthier educational spaces. Data collection can be useful for designing future public health strategies. Applicability: The model is scalable, replicable and sustainable, with the potential to be integrated into university curricula and to influence public policy on smoking prevention. Conclusion: Early intervention, before tobacco dependence becomes established, is essential to achieve a significant impact on public health and reduce the intergenerational transmission of this addictive behavior.