Factors related to smoking behavior of people in Na-Chaliang subdistrict, Nongphai district, Phetchabun Province

Abstract

This descriptive study aimed to examine smoking behavior and the factors associated with smoking behavior among residents of Na-Chaliang Sub-district, Nong Phai District, Phetchabun Province. The sample consisted of 242 individuals aged 20 years and older, selected using simple random sampling. The research instrument was a questionnaire consisting of: 1) demographic data, 2) attitudes toward smoking behavior, 3) awareness of laws and smoking-control measures, 4) social support, and 5) smoking behavior. Content validity was evaluated by three experts, yielding a content validity index (CVI) of 1.00, and the instrument’s reliability coefficient was 0.81. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential analysis with chi-square tests.

The results found that the sample was male at 68.60%, with an average age of 53.29 years (S.D. = 14.67). A total of 57.85% were married, 54.13% had completed primary education, and 40.91% were general laborers. The average net monthly income was 6,086.78 baht. A total of 47.93% had smoking behavior. Personal factors, namely gender and income, were significantly associated with smoking behavior (p-value < 0.001). Reinforcing factors in terms of social support and enabling factors in terms of awareness of laws/control measures were significantly associated with smoking behavior (p-value < 0.001 and p-value < 0.003), respectively). However, predisposing factors in terms of attitudes toward smoking behavior were not associated with smoking behavior.

The findings suggest that educational activities focusing on smoking laws and control measures, together with strengthened social support, may contribute to changes in smoking behavior among community members.