Factors Related to Smoking Among Youths in Trang Educational Institutes

Abstract

This is descriptive research with the objective to study factors related to smoking among youths in Trang educational institutes. The sample consisted of 400 youths in Trang school. Data were collected by the questionnaire   between August - December 2019 The reliability was tested by using the Cronbach alpha coefficient at 0.756. Data will be analyzed by using Frequency distribution, Percentage and correlation analysis using chi-square ( ²)  The study found that The sample compose of 51.20% male and 48.80% female. Most aged in the late teens (17-19 years old) 39.5%  .There are 56 samples with smoking behaviors, or 14.0%. The male smoker is 12 % female smoker is 2 % and found that sex, environment, personality and attitudes are significantly related to smoking behavior. Sex correlated with smoking behavior at the statistical significance level of 0.05   ( ²   = 30.957, p = <0.001). Personality that related to smoking is anxiety ( ²  = 5.531, p = 0.019) credulousness ( ²  = 5.531, p = 0.005)   And empathy (² =3.976, p = 0.046) . We also found that attitudes and smoking behaviors are related with statistically significant at the level of 0.01 ( ²  = 71.180, p = <0.001). And we also found that sex, environment, personality and attitudes are significantly related to smoking behavior. Sex is associated with smoking at the statistical significance level of 0.05 ( ²  = 30.957, p = <0.001).  While environment that friends / seniors and juniors  or families members like parents smoke will correlate with the smoking behavior at the statistical significance of 0.01         ( ²= 12.28, p = <0.001 and  ²  = 6.784, p = .009).  Personality related to smoking behavior with statistical significance level of 0.05 was anxiety ( ²  = 5.531, p = 0.019). Open minded ( ²  = 5.531, p = 0.005) And empathy ( ²  = 3.976, p = 0.046) And we also found that attitudes correlated with smoking behavior statistically at the level of significance 0.01 ( (²  = 71.180, p = <0.001). From the study, the research data, especially the attitude adjustment of youths, can be used for planning to work in accordance with the need to solve the smoking problems of youth in Trang that will lead to success of smoke-free school campaign.