Adolescent Smoking: A Cross-sectional Study on the Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Filipino Adolescents in a Tertiary Hospital

Abstract

Objective. The study aims to determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices of Filipino adolescents aged 13-18 years old regarding cigarette smoking.

Methods. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study that utilized a questionnaire adapted from the Global Youth Tobacco Survey.

Results. The prevalence among study participants who tried smoking (11.8%) and current users (3.6%) is lower than the global statistics and the country’s reported prevalence, but started at a younger age (5.3% started smoking at 12-13 years old). Electronic cigarette (12.9%) is more commonly tried and used than conventional cigarettes (11.8%). Ninety five percent (95%) of the participants view smoking as harmful. Some (13.5%) do not know the effects of smoking, 1.1% consider it harmless, and 8.2% have no objections to starting to smoke someday. Most adolescents (49.1%) do not know the price of cigarettes, but 22% prefer to pay less than the actual price.

Conclusion. Adolescents are knowledgeable and have a negative attitude towards smoking. Regardless if they are non-smokers, tried smoking, or are currently smoking, they still need to be educated more regarding the effects and consequences of smoking.