Smoking Behavior of Youth in Ban Han Subdistrict, Bang Klam District, Songkhla Province

Abstract

This cross-sectional exploratory study investigates smoking behavior among youths and associated factors in Ban Han Subdistrict, Bang Klam District, Songkhla Province. The sample consisted of 103 students from educational institutions, selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected between October and December 2024 using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire covered personal information, smoking behavior, attitudes toward smoking, influence of close individuals, exposure to secondhand smoke, awareness of public smoking regulations, exposure to tobacco advertising and promotion, and tobacco-related education in schools. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests.

The results showed that 25.2% of respondents engaged in smoking. Among them, 7.7% smoked on 20–29 days per month, and another 7.7% smoked 11–20 cigarettes per day. Most obtained cigarettes from others or by asking (46.1%), and primarily used manufactured cigarettes (57.7%), followed by electronic cigarettes (30.8%) and hand-rolled cigarettes (15.4%). The most common smoking location was friends’ houses (46.3%). Factors significantly associated with smoking behavior included gender, monthly allowance, intentions regarding smoking in the next 12 months and five years, having friends who smoke, recent exposure to secondhand smoke outside the home, and having received free cigarette samples (p < .05).