The Extent of Influence of Factors on Cigarette Smoking Among Teenagers in Baguio City: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Although there are several studies conducted on teenage smoking, the causes to become smokers in adolescence remain unclear. Several factors were identified but the extent of its influence still obscure. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the significant difference in the extent of influence of these identified factors when teens are group according to gender and age group of 13 to 16 years old versus 17-19 years of age.

Objective: A quantitative study was conducted to determine the extent of influence of factors on cigarette smoking among teenagers in City high school and St. Louis high school.

Methods: A total of 100 respondents were investigated using a structured questionnaire. The study sought to explore the factors that influenced cigarette smoking among teenagers and to what extent they can influence. A questionnaire, in the form of a checklist was the primary tool used in the data gathering relevant to the study. The questionnaire explored the extent of influence of factors affecting smoking among teenagers in Baguio City. The design used for this study was the quantitative research design. The subjects were 100 students (Male and female) studying in Baguio City, Philippines. The age bracket for subjects was 13-19 years for males and females. The sample for this quantitative study was constructed by purposive sampling students in Baguio City who were asked to voluntarily answer the questionnaire. Descriptive statistics which included frequency, % distribution, average and weighted mean was used. Average mean was used to determine the extent of influence of factors on smoking among teenagers of Baguio City. Standard deviation and t-test were used to determine the extent of influence when the teenagers were grouped according to age and gender.

Results: The study found out that there was a significant difference in the extent of influence of factors when the teenagers were grouped according to gender, the females smoked more than the males. However, when grouped according to age (13-16 & 17-19), there was no significant difference in their extent of influence. The teenagers were very much aware of the effects of cigarette smoking on the biological, physical and social implications. Despite this awareness, the drive to perform the behavior is strong.

Conclusion: Finding solutions to modify the belief on the identified potent factor will alter the attitude in the performance of smoking behavior. Successful cessation often requires multiple strategies since continuous smoking is associated with several factors.  The researchers would recommend the formulation programs and campaigns on anti-smoking. The researchers are also optimistically looking for the possibility of this study to help assess the need to strictly or creatively implement enacted laws stated in Republic Act 2011.  The researchers believe an epidemic of tobacco use is imminent if drastic action is not taken, and recommend that anti-smoking campaigns with an emphasis on the religious aspect should start as early as in elementary school. Intervention programs to encourage behavior modification of adolescents are also recommended.

Keywords: Gender, Age group, Adolescents and Tobacco use.