Abstract:
Preventive behaviors on secondhand smoke (SHS) from nearby persons and at public places were studied among 841 secondary school pupils from 11 schools in Ratchaburi Province. One school health teacher from each school also included into the study. Data was collected by self-administered questionnaire, and analyzed by descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, Bootstrap, Pearson correlation coefficient, and multiple regression at a 5% significance level. Results were that out of 100 total score, the mean score SHS preventive behaviors from nearby persons and public places were 24.31 and 28.36 (S.D.=14.23 and 18.58). The most common preventive behavior was distancing oneself from the smoke. Factors significantly related to preventive behavior on SHS from nearby persons were sex, knowledge of nonsmoking places, and speaking about harmfulness of SHS or tobacco with family members. Variation of secondhand smoke prevention behavior was at 13.1% (R=0.131). Factors significantly related to preventive behavior when exposed to SHS in public places were sex, knowledge of nonsmoking places, perceived benefits, ratio of smokers in household, and number of student joy activities in their school event. These variables were able to explain the variation of SHS prevention behavior in public places 8.1% (R'=0.081). To reduce the risk of SHS, the Bureau of Tobacco Control, Department of Disease Control (DDC), Thai Health Promotion Foundation, the Office of Disease Prevention and Control (ODPC) and the Provincial Public Health Office (PPHO) should augment information for students about nonsmoking places, raising public awareness about no smoking regulations in public places and homes, and how to stop smoking. Teachers might be encouraged to develop communication skills about the harm of tobacco and SHS,as well as preventing SHS with parents and fellow students. Support the school smoke-free policies. The DDC and regulatory agencies should promote legislation requiring Ministry of Public Health notifications that footpaths are nonsmoking places.
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