DOI: 10.5176/2315-4330_WNC18.169
Authors: W.P.Chamindi Sulakkana, E.M.J.S.K.Ekanayaka
Abstract:
Cigarettes smoking among school children is a major public health issue worldwide, especially in developing countries [9]. It is a common risk factor accountable for non-communicable diseases related mortality and morbidity [9] and age of initiation of smoking is reducing day by day [5]. This study was carried out to assess the smoking behaviour, knowledge, attitudes and practices on cigarette smoking among upper secondary male school children in the national schools in the Tangalle education zone, Sri Lanka.
A cross-sectional survey was conducted using pre-tested self-administrated questionnaire. The stratified random sampling method was used to select 254 of the sample. Response rate was 97.65% (n=250). There were 26.4% (n=184) of ever smokers, and among them, the majority (53%, n=36) were current smokers. One-forth (27%, n=26) of current smokers wanted to quit smoking. The mean age of initiation of smoking was 13.88 (SD: ±1.65) years, and the main reason for starting smoking was curiosity. Friends’ and parents’ smoking habit was significant with the students smoking behaviors (p<0.05).
Findings suggest counselling programs and educational programs for students and parents, aiming prevention of smoking habits.
Keywords: school age, smoking, current smoker, prevalence of smoking, knowledge, attitudes, practice
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