The Prevalence of Smoking Behavior and Factors Related to Smoking Behavior among Female Students of High Schools and Vocational Colleges in North-Eastern Thailand

Abstract

          The purpose of this cross-sectional, survey research was to determine the prevalence and predictors of smoking behavior among female students at high schools and vocational colleges in NorthEastern Region of Thailand. The sample size was calculated by estimating proportion of smoking femalestudents and randomized by multistage random sampling. The instrument was self-administered questionnaires developed by the researchers. The content validity was assessed by three experts. Percentage,mean, and multiple logistic regression analyses were used in the study. The 2,900 out of 3,000 questionnaire papers were returned. The overall prevalence of cigarette smoking was 11.9 percents, including current smokers (9.28%) and quitters (2.62%). The majority was vocational students (60.6 %) with an average grade of 2.01-2.50, noticeably, the participants commonly reported to smoke with close friends (73%). They mostly started smoking at the age between 14 and 15 years, on the occasions with friends and when they stressed out. A number of cigarettes were less than 10 per month. Smoking behaviors were associated with factors including, close friends (odds=7.528, 95%CI 5.795-9.781), ages less than 18 years (odds=2.217, 95%CI 1.460-3.367), average grades less than 3.00 (odds=2.183, 95%CI1.610-2.960), vocational college student (odds=1.367, 95%CI 1.059-1.765) and family members (odds= 1.364, 95%CI1.059-1.756). The authors suggested that female adolescent was also a risk group for cigarette smoking, whom should be closely monitored. Anti-smoking campaigns and life skill training should be started at the early age to adjust the attitudes toward smoking behavior and to avoid risk behaviors. The adolescents who were at risk should be encouraged to use their leisure time appropriately.