Thai Journal of Nursing

Tobacco use in Thai society: A reflection of the relationship between individuals and social structures

Siriorn Sindhu — 2026-06-22

The situation of tobacco consumption in Thai society through an integrated perspective, linking socio-cultural contexts, toxicological components, and life-stage health impacts. The study identifies four evolutionary eras: traditional (social tool), industrial (mass commodity), control (public policy), and innovation (e-cigarettes). Toxicologically, combustible cigarettes contain over 5,000 chemicals, including tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) and heavy metals that cause DNA damage. While e-cigarettes reduce certain toxins, they trigger epigenetic changes and accelerated biological lung aging. Life-stage analysis shows that early initiation (ages 6–17) significantly increases mortality risk and impairs organ development. In adulthood, tobacco use drives cardiovascular diseases, while in the elderly, it is linked to cognitive decline and oral health issues. The synthesis reveals that smoking is not merely a biological addiction but an outcome of interactions between individuals and social structures that shape consumption norms. The study concludes that future tobacco control measures must shift from a purely health-centric focus toward understanding the social dynamics and marketing of novel tobacco products. Developing such responsive policies is essential for creating sustainable control frameworks and protecting the health of the Thai population effectively.

Nursing student leaders and generative artificial intelligence: A new paradigm for building a tobacco-free society

Rudee Pungbangkadee — 2026-06-19

This special article aims to present a new paradigm for developing nursing student leaders through the integration of generative artificial intelligence (AI) to promote a tobacco-free society. The article synthesizes evidence from previous research, innovations from the “ Nursing Student Club for Creating a Smoke-Free Thai Society, ” and emerging trends in digital health technology. Tobacco use and e-cigarettes continue to be critical global public health issues, particularly among youth, who are the primary targets of the tobacco industry in the digital era. Likewise, generative AI is playing an increasingly significant role in health communication, digital media production, and innovation for social change. This article proposes a five-phase competency development pathway for nursing student leaders: 1) building digital awareness; 2) developing foundational knowledge and skills in digital health and AI; 3) applying technological tools in real-world settings; 4) cultivating digital leadership and online health communication competencies; and 5) becoming technology-driven change agents for a tobacco-free society. Additionally, generative AI can support nursing student leaders in four key areas: enhancing knowledge in tobacco control, developing health advocacy media, communicating effectively with target populations, and establishing learning networks to advance tobacco-free policies. This systematic approach will contribute to the development of a new generation of nursing professionals capable of sustainably driving a tobacco-free Thai society in the AI era.

Editor Team

khannika Suwonnakote — 2026-06-19

System and mechanism development of non-smoking campus and designated smoking areas enable to well-being and safe learning in a university

Phatcharaphan Chaiyasung — 2026-06-19

This mixed-method research aimed to study participation in the establishment of smoke-free and smoking zone mechanisms in higher educational institutions that facilitate health and safe learning. The researchwas conducted in two ph ases. Phase 1 analyzed the process, the problems and obstacles in establishing the mechanisms by using qualitative approach (n=30). Phase 2 studied the participation of personnel and students by using quantitative research (n=688). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results showed that 61.07 percent of the sample were male. The problems and obstacles were as follows: 1) gaps in enforcement and participation, 2) lack of clear guidelines, 3) lack of awareness of the impact of cigarettes on their own and others' health and 4) information on smoke-free zones has not yet reached the target group. Sixty percent of the participants agreed that smoke-free and smoking zones should had been established in institutions and participation in the development of the mechanisms should be encouraged. The overall perception score was at a moderate level (M = 2.834, SD = 0.963). This study revealed five key aspects of the smoke-free mechanism including 1) policy and management, 2) communication and campaigning, 3) student and personnel participation, 4) area management, and 5) follow-up.

Development and evaluation of a faculty development program to enhance tobacco control faculty practice among nursing instructors

Phatcharaphan Chaiyasung — 2026-06-19

This research and development study aimed to develop and evaluate a faculty development program to enhance tobacco control faculty practice among nursing instructors. The study was conducted in four phases: assessment of current practice, practice development, practice implementation, and evaluation and refinement. A purposive sample of 32 nursing instructors who participated in a workshop on tobacco control faculty practice, was recruited. The research instruments consisted of a faculty development program for tobacco control faculty practice, an in-depth interview guide, a questionnaire assessing attitudes toward tobacco control faculty practice, a self-efficacy questionnaire, and a questionnaire measuring the level of tobacco control faculty practice. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, content analysis, and paired t-test. The findings revealed that following participation in the faculty development program, nursing instructors demonstrated significantly higher levels of attitudes, self-efficacy, and tobacco control faculty practice (p < .05).

Editor Note

Tassanee Rawiworrakul — 2026-06-19

khannika Suwonnakote — 2026-06-19

A nursing smoking cessation package for nicotine dependence: An innovative care approach for smokers with non - communicable diseases

Orasa Punpakdee — 2026-06-19

Patients with chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) who smoke, should be encouraged to quit smoking because tobacco use adversely affects disease control, leading to accelerated the development of complications, increasing disease severity, resulting in premature death. Nurses could have the opportunity to assist patients in quitting smoking; however, due to time constraints and confidence in helping patients quit, a nursing smoking cessation package for nicotine dependence has been developed as an innovative nursing practice. This package provides nurses with motivational conversation scripts that can be used as examples for delivering brief advice and brief counselling tailored to patients at different stages of readiness to quit smoking. In addition, the package includes support materials to facilitate smoking cessation, such as information brochures, a self-help booklet, a self- monitoring record, and herbal remedies to help alleviate cravings. A smoking cessation follow- up quit is also included for use on a patient’s follow up sheet. Nurses can use this innovation package in their routine care for patients at NCD clinics to support smoking cessation within a limited amount of advice time.

A development of smoking cessation competency among nursing students: The challenges of pre-service nursing education

Sukanya Surangsee — 2026-06-19

Smoking cessation is a critical role of professional nurses in health promotion and the prevention of non-communicable diseases. However, evidence indicates that many nursing students remain insufficiently prepared and lack confidence in performing smoking cessation interventions upon entering professional practice. This article analyzes the current situation and structural challenges of pre-service nursing education in developing smoking cessation competency among nursing students. The analysis is based on a synthesis of theoretical concepts, established smoking cessation guidelines, relevant empirical studies, and a competency framework that has been developed and refined through expert consultation. Key challenges in developing smoking cessation competency include the unclear integration of such competencies within nursing curricula, emphasis on theoretical knowledge rather than practical skills, limitations in faculty capacity and educational resources, and assessment approaches that do not adequately reflect real-world practice. To address these challenges, nursing education should adopt a competency-based approach by explicitly defining smoking cessation competency as a core learning outcome, integrating experiential and practice-based learning strategies, and strengthening assessment methods to align with professional practice. Such reforms are essential to enhance nursing students’ readiness and confidence in delivering effective smoking cessation interventions and to ensure that pre-service nursing education responds to the evolving demands of contemporary health systems.