Smoking in adolescence is a great health concern as it is related to many chronic diseases and mortality in later life. It is also associated with other high-risk behaviours among adolescents. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and reasons for smoking among upper secondary schoolboys. This was a cross-sectional study conducted among Form 4 and Form 5 students. Three schools in the District of Hulu Langat were identified and students from these schools were selected randomly. The students were given a self-administered questionnaire. A total of 343 students were included in the study. The prevalence of smoking among the schoolboys was 37%. Although the majority of them initiated smoking between 13-15 years old (67%), 21% of them began smoking below 12 years of age (primary school). There was a significant association between adolescent smoking and smoking among family members (p<0.05). The common reasons reported for initiating smoking were curiosity (69%) and peer pressure (51%). However, the common reasons for continuing smoking were stress (70%) and addiction (49%). Schoolwork was reported as the most important factor which contributed to their stress. Smoking prevention programmes should begin early in primary schools. Adolescents should be educated on effective coping strategies in managing stress and learning to be assertive.
Prevalence and Reasons for Smoking among Upper Secondary Schoolboys in Hulu Langat, Malaysia
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Abstrak
Merokok dikalangan remaja adalah suatu masalah kesihatan yang perlu diatasi kerana ia mengakibatkan berbagai penyakit kronik dan meningkatkan mortaliti. Ia juga berkaitan rapat dengan tabiat-tabiat berisiko tinggi lain di kalangan remaja. Ini adalah satu kajian keratan rentas untuk menentukan prevalens merokok di kalangan pelajar-pelajar lelaki Tingkatan 4 dan 5 dan sebab-sebab mereka merokok. Pelajar- pelajar dari tiga buah sekolah menengah di Daerah Hulu Langat di pilih secara rawak. Mereka yang bersetuju mengambil bahagian diberi borang soal-selidik. Sejumlah 343 pelajar terpilih dan prevalens merokok dikalangan mereka ialah 37%. Walaupun majoriti daripada mereka mula merokok dalam lingkungan umur 13-15 tahun, 21% daripada mereka mula merokok dibawah umur 12 tahun (semasa sekolah rendah). Terdapat perhubungan signifikan antara merokok dikalangan remaja dan ahli keluarga mereka yang merokok (p<0.05). Dua sebab utama mereka mula merokok ialah ‘sikap ingin tahu’ (69%) dan pengaruh kawan (51%). Walaubagaimana pun sebab utama mereka meneruskan tabiat merokok ialah ‘tekanan mental’ (70%) dan ketagihan (49%). Faktor utama yang menyebabkan mereka menghadapi tekanan mental adalah ‘ kerja sekolah’. Kesimpulannya, program anti-merokok perlu di mulakan awal di sekolah rendah dan remaja-remaja perlu diajar cara-cara menghadapi tekanan mental dan menyelesaikan masalah dengan efektif.
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Related Images
 table1.jpg "Table I: Smoking habits of the respondents who smoked")
 table2.jpg "Table 2: Reasons for smoking")
