Knowledge, attitude and behaviour of Malaysian female adolescent smokers

Nik Mohamed, Mohamad Haniki and Mohamad Noor, Zaswiza and Kaur, Swinder Jit and Abu Bakar, Salehuddin (2010) Knowledge, attitude and behaviour of Malaysian female adolescent smokers. Indian Journal of Cancer, 47 (1). S129. ISSN 0019-509X

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Abstract

Background: Smoking among Malaysian female 13 to 18 years is 4.8% (NHMS 2, 1996). However, assessment of knowledge and perception regarding smoking in this group is lacking. Objectives: To determine smoking-related knowledge, attitude and behaviour among female adolescent smokers. Methods: 56 female adolescent smokers selected randomly at a shopping mall were given questionnaires to self-administer upon consent. Questionnaires contain demographic data and 30 smoking-related questions. Results: Mean age is 17.85 ± 1.1 (range 16 to 19) years. Of 56 girls, 40% smoked everyday. 32% of the subjects smoked more than 20 sticks, 50% smoked 2-20 sticks and 18% smoked less than 2 sticks per day. 78% bought cigarettes from convenient stores or restaurants. 66% smoked at public area and 62.5% smoked without family acknowledgement. 18% also tried shisha, bidis, cigars and chewing tobacco. 21.4% will still smoke in the next 5 years. 69.6% agreed that quitting is difficult. 71.4% agreed smoking makes appearance less attractive. Only 23.2% thought smoking makes one become more outstanding. 55.4% disagreed that smoking reduces their weight vs. 42.9% who agreed. 91.1% realized inhaling other person’s tobacco smoke is harmful. Only 23.2% admitted that smoking is wasteful. 87.5% agreed with the ‘No Smoking’ signs at the public places. 60.7% wanted to quit smoking if possible. Conclusion: Smoking among female adolescents in Malaysia is a serious problem. Adolescent smokers need to be educated further regarding the harmfulness of smoking and provided assistance with quitting.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Additional Information:	5123/36036
Subjects:	R Medicine > RS Pharmacy and materia medica
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Pharmacy > Department of Pharmacy Practice
Depositing User:	DR ZASWIZA BINTI MOHAMAD NOOR
Date Deposited:	14 Mar 2014 16:07
Last Modified:	14 Mar 2014 16:31
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/36036

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