The Experiences Smoking E-cigarette among Teenage Girls in Higher Education Institutions in Khon Kaen Province

Abstract

A qualitative research type of the Hermeneutic Phenomenology aims to study experiences, the meaning of smoking, patters and processes of e-cigarette smoking among teenage girls in higher education institutions in Khon Kaen province. Totaling 6 participants (18-21 years) by using purposive sampling and snowball techniques. Data were collected by using interviewed and non-participatory observation until data saturation. Content analyses and Colaizzi’s method were used for data analysis.

Found that the perception of participants and meaning of e-cigarette smoking were in both positive and negative views. The positive perceptions weighs more than the negative positively, there was no difference between the gender equality, they could smoke anywhere because it had a pleasant smell and was easily drunk. They were self-confident in their peers, not old-fashioned and be the leaders. Causing to lose body weight and quit the normal smoking cigarettes and relieve stress. The negative perceptions were made them addictive by nicotine which had the negative effect on health and risk of contracting the COVID-19 epidemic. These causes of money decease and it was illegal. Routes of e-cigarette smoking, from contact with e-cigarettes to addiction were 3 routes as; 1) they wanted to try : they were wanting to try at the invitation of friends, it was the strange item that looks good, try and stick due to the novelty of the e-liquid and modern equipment, they could be smoking anywhere they wanted, 2) they wanted to imitate, to be as smart as their friends, looked cool and wanted to be a part of their group and 3) they intend to smoke in order to reduce loneliness and relieve stress. Although teenage girls perceived vaping to be the negative health and economic impact, but still had great popularity from the modern image. Therefore, the persons involved were parents, health personnel and teachers in higher educational institutions should work together to find ways to reduce and quit the consumption of e-cigarettes among teenage girls, for example, by setting a good example of not smoking, talk to their child about the risks of e-cigarettes. Schools, in collaboration with health personnel, provide the curriculum to educate teenage girls that focus on the negative effects on their health. Establish regulations for the prohibition of e-cigarette smoking in educational establishments and find ways to create a feeling of restraint in the way of e-cigarette among teenage girls. In addition, the relevant laws should be revised and strictly enforced by both smokers and sellers.