Activity Models for Controlling and Preventing Smoking among Personnel and Students at Sirindhorn College of Public Health, Phitsanulok Province

Abstract

            The purposes of this descriptive study were (1) to investigate personal and environmental factors of smoking among personnel and students, (2) to study knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of smoking among personnel and students, and (3) to examine activity models to control and prevent smoking at Sirindhorn College of Public Health, Phitsanulok province. The sample consisted of 70 personnel and 530 students of the academic year 2014, and 12 members of the study group process of activity models in controlling and preventing smoking. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected in this study. The measure instruments were the questionnaire and group process. The statistics used included percentage, mean, standard deviation, and content analysis.

          The study found that there were two personnel who currently smoked. Durations of smoking were 11 years and 40 years with 10 and 15 cigarettes per day, respectively. One person wanted to stop smoking while the other did not. Their knowledge and attitudes of smoking were at a high level whereas behaviors concerning smoking were at a moderate level. For students, currently, there were seven students who smoke. They smoked 2-6 cigarettes a day. Four of them wanted to stop smoking while the other three did not want to. Their knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors concerning smoking were at a high level. After that, data from the analysis were used in group process. It was found that students and personnel had gained knowledge and understanding of smoking, causes, symptoms, effects, ways to control and prevent smoking, and especially current smoking laws. Administrators and lecturers paid attention and realized the harm from smoking. Funding was a major part in the activities. However, duration of the activities was limited. Students studied too many subjects and each course had different class schedule. Eighteen activity models which should be carried out next year are mostly campaign activities to control, prevent, reduce, and stop the consumption of tobacco both inside and outside college. The College should plan the activities for the next academic year in order to promote students and personnel as a good role model in controlling and preventing smoking to communities to be free from tobacco smoke pollution.