Sasithorn Lerdpiromluk. Factors influencing smoking behavior among junior high school students in Nonthaburi province . Master's Degree(Pediatric Nursing). Mahidol University. : Mahidol University, 2004.
Factors influencing smoking behavior among junior high school students in Nonthaburi province
Abstract:
Studies indicate that every day a number of teenagers experiment with their first cigarette. To
help teenagers stay tobacco-free, it is essential to explore what influences their smoking behavior. The
purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which self-efficacy in smoking refusal – confidence
in one’s own ability to refusal smoking – and locus of control towards smoking affect smoking behavior
of junior high school students. Sociodemographic factors and external factors (smoking behavior of
family members and friends) were also studied. Self-administered questionnaires were filled out by 546
students who were in mathayomsuksa 1 to 3 from five large schools in Nonthaburi Province. Content
validity and reliability of the questionnaire regarding self-efficacy in smoking refusal and locus of
control were checked, indicating a reliability of .93 and .79 respectively. Binary logistic regression was
used on the data analysis.
The results revealed that 19% of the students smoked. Of these smokers, 14% reported that
they smoked only once, 4% smoked occasionally, and 1% once smoked and have quit. Two factors had
a moderate correlation to smoking: those whose friends smoked tended to smoke more, and those who
had a high score for self-efficacy in refusal to smoke tended to smoke less (p < .01). The predictors of
smoking behavior included friends’ smoking, age and self-efficacy in smoking refusal (p <. 001).
The research finding suggests that the development of the students’ self-efficacy in smoking
refusal be included in smoking prevention programs as well as in the classroom teaching process.
Adolescents should be encouraged to be leaders in such programs and activities.