Risk Factors for the Initiation of Smoking Behavior in Primary School Age Children in Karawang, Indonesia

ABSTRACT

Increases in smoking behavior among people in the community can cause health problems. Current smoking behavior changes in the younger generation and spreads to children. This condition is a concern for elementary school-age children. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationships between risk factors for smoking behavior in primary school-aged children in Karawang. Descriptive research method with cross-sectional design was used; a random sampling technique obtained a sample of 356 respondents aged 9–12 years in Karawang. This study used a smoking behavior questionnaire with validity (0.469–0.872) and reliability (0.92). Data were analyzed using linear correlation and multiple linear regression. The results of study show a relationship between age risk factors for the first-time smoking, family of smokers, and following trends and wanting to be cool with smoking behavior of primary school-age children. Multivariate analysis of multiple linear regression showed that the most dominant factor related to smoking behavior was sex (R square = 0.159). Risk factors for smoking and sex affect smoking behavior in primary school-aged children in Karawang Regency. The findings of this study indicate the need to control risk factors that influence school-age children to start smoking.

KEYWORDS:

• Risk factors for smoking
• smoking behavior
• school-age children

Acknowledgments

Gratitude is given to all those who have supported this research, especially the Directorate of Research and Community Service Universitas Indonesia which has supported the research through funding. Thanks is also given to all elementary school–students in Karawang Regency who were willing to become research respondents.

Additional information

Funding

This work is supported by international publication graduated for student final project (HIBAH PITTA) 2018, funded by Universitas Indonesia. NO. 1857/UN2.R3.1/HKP.05.00/2018.