ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: This research aimed to assess attitudes, subjective norms, and intentions about early smoking behavior among junior and senior high school students in Sampang, Madura, Indonesia. CONTENT: Teenagers' smoking behavior is a phenomenon that needs careful examination and is easily recognized today. In Indonesia, the frequency of teenage smokers aged 10-18 years is growing every year. This age group is essential since most regular smokers start to smoke at this age. Although the Indonesian government has made preventive efforts, the prevalence of tobacco use remains high and continues to rise among younger age citizens. This research employed descriptive analysis with a cross-sectional approach. A total of 174 teenagers were chosen to participate in this study using a purposive sampling approach among junior high and high school students in Sampang District who smoke. Data were collected using questionnaires and evaluated with statistical regression tests with 95% confidence intervals (CI). SUMMARY: The findings revealed that attitudes, subjective norms, and intentions were linked to early smoking behavior in teenagers in the Sampang District, Madura. The results were attitude (OR=5.27, 95% CI: 4.89-5.61), subjective norm (OR=1.78, 95% CI: 1.51-2.05), PBC (OR=2.05, 95% CI: 1.66-2.40), and intention (OR=4.16, 95% CI: 3.86-4.47). Early smoking behavior in Sampang is primarily driven by the impression of poor parental disruptive behavior and a strong urge to smoke among teenagers, along with significant peer support. OUTLOOK: These findings can be utilized to address some of the key issues identified in order to prevent smoking in teenagers by establishing an atmosphere that avoids the stimulation in smoking behavior.
