Smoking habits amongst teenagers and related factors in Medan- Indonesia

Background: The patterns of cigarette consumption have been widely prevalent across different age groups in society, both among youth and adults. This is supported by data National Socio-Economic Survey (Susenas) data 2023 which showed that both youth and adult groups had been exposed to and exhibited behaviors indicative of cigarette smoking, although possibly at varying levels, stated that 28.62% of the population aged over 15 years had consumed cigarettes. Meanwhile, at the North Sumatra provincial level in 2023, 26.28% of the population aged over 15 years have consumed cigarettes. Purpose: To determine smoking habits amongst teenagers and related factors in Medan Method: This research is quantitative research with a Cross-Sectional Study approach which was conducted at PGRI 12 Medan Private High School from January 9 to February 16, 2024. The population of this study consisted of all male students, totaling 72 male teenagers. The sampling method uses a total sampling technique, where the entire population (72 students) is used as the research sample. The instrument used was a questionnaire. Results: The findings of the study indicate that there are significant associations between smoking behavior in teenagers attending PGRI Medan Private High School and several factors. Personality traits (p=0.000), peers (p=0.000), exposure to cigarette advertising (p=0.007), and having parents who smoke (p=0.000) each exhibited strong relationships according to the results of statistical testing. Meanwhile, knowledge level (p=0.877) did not appear to correlate with teen smoking behavior at this particular school based on the analytical methods applied. Conclusion: The findings of the study indicate that there are significant associations between smoking behavior in teenagers attending PGRI Medan Private High School and several factors. Personality traits (p=0.000), peers (p=0.000), exposure to cigarette advertising (p=0.007), and having parents who smoke (p=0.000) each exhibited strong relationships according to the results of statistical testing.