The Relationship Between Student Factors and E-Cigarette Smoking Behavior in Ban Kaew School, Chanthaburi Primary Educational Service Area Office 1

Abstract

This research aimed to examine the relationship between student factors and e-cigarette smoking behaviors among students at Ban Kaew School. The sample consisted of 222 students selected through convenience sampling. The research instrument was a questionnaire on personal factors and e-cigarette smoking behaviors, with a reliability coefficient of .89. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. The results revealed that several factors were significantly correlated with e-cigarette smoking behaviors, including gender, grade level, grade point average (GPA), place of residence, and the presence of close smokers. Gender was positively correlated with attitudes toward e-cigarette users and negatively correlated with smoking frequency. Grade level was positively correlated with smoking frequency and the first time of smoking. GPA was positively correlated with attitudes toward e-cigarette users but negatively correlated with smoking frequency. Place of residence was positively correlated with awareness of the harmful effects of e-cigarettes. Having close smokers was positively correlated with the first time of smoking and smoking frequency. In conclusion, personal factors and close social influences had greater effects on students’ e-cigarette smoking behaviors than family or economic factors. It is recommended that schools organize behavioral immunity development programs, provide comprehensive information about the dangers of e-cigarettes, and build collaborative networks among families, schools, and communities to prevent both the initiation and continuation of e-cigarette use among students.