The relationship between attitudes and behavior of e-cigarette smoking among high school students in Thailand

Niwat  Songsin; Threeraphat  Yisarakhun; Ameen  chetae; Khanithin  Kobkit; Natapong  Sondi; Wanwimon  Mekwimon Kingkaew; Prisna  Pianjing; Kanokporn  Somporn

Niwat Songsin Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, Thailand
Threeraphat Yisarakhun Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, Thailand
Ameen chetae Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, Thailand
Khanithin Kobkit Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, Thailand
Natapong Sondi Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, Thailand
Wanwimon Mekwimon Kingkaew Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, Thailand
Prisna Pianjing Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, Thailand
Kanokporn Somporn Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, Thailand

Keywords: Attitudes, Behavior of e-cigarette smoking, E-cigarette, High school students

Abstract

This research aimed to examine the relationship between attitudes and behaviors regarding e-cigarette use among high school students in Samut Songkhram Province, Thailand. The sample comprised 390 high school students from Samut Songkhram Province, selected through stratified random sampling. Data were collected using questionnaires, and the Pearson correlation coefficient was employed to analyze the relationships. The findings indicated that positive attitudes toward e-cigarette use were defined as having an attitude score of 31-40% or higher. Overall, most respondents exhibited a good level of attitude (M = 31.29, SD = 6.04). The behavior of e-cigarette use among the respondents was at a moderate level (M = 27.35, SD = 4.77). Additionally, the attitudes of high school students toward e-cigarette use showed a very weak negative correlation with their e-cigarette use behavior at a statistically significant level of .05 (r = .143). Based on these findings, it is recommended to organize exhibitions or conduct practical workshops to improve knowledge and skills about the health risks and diseases associated with e-cigarette use for high school students.