Factors Associated with Smoking Behavior of Security Officers in Mahasarakham University

Abstract

This descriptive research aimed to study factors associated with smoking behavior of security officers in Mahasarakham University. A total of 63 samples, who were a member of a smoking family, were randomly selected. Data were collected by questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, average, minimum, maximum, and standard deviation, and inferential statistics including Pearson's Correlation Coefficient were employed for data analyses. The research found that the majority were 98.1% female, average age 44.10 years, age range 39-48 years, 54.0% married, 63.5% completed secondary  education, 36.5% having income between 6501- 8000 Baht, 77.8% income derived from primary occupations. 85.7% income was not enough and required a loan 73.0% and 54.0%, respectively. There were 66.7% was children and 39.7% of children who smoked. 20.6% work in the past 10 years, average cigarette smoking is 9.16 cigarettes per day. Smoking between 1 - 10 cigarettes per day was 76.2 %, to quit smoking 57.1 %. It was found that the smoking area was unsuitable and there was no clear smoking area at 50.8% and 28.6%, respectively. Have been trained about smoking 49.2 %. Predisposing factors to knowledge and attitudes. Have a good level of knowledge, 49.2 % attitudes at a moderate level, 54.0 %. Enabling factors and reinforcing factors at a moderate level, 60.3% and 79.4%. Smoking behavior was moderate level, 87.3% smoking behavior of security officers did not relate with predisposing factors, Enabling factors and reinforcing factors. In conclusion, most of the samples lacked knowledge, hazardous substances in cigarettes that cause disease. Understand that cigarette butts help reduce the risk of smoking, and the rules governing tobacco control and smoking. Cigarettes can also be traded easily. Including tobacco advertising on radio, television as a result, people decide to smoke. It should be educated about the risk and toxins of cigarettes, and set the non-smoking area clear in order to quit smoking.