Adolescent’s Attitude to Cigarettes and Smoking Behavior in Kota Kretek

Abstract

Background: Smoking is a negative behavior that should be stopped or, at least, avoided, as it will negatively affect both physical and mental health. Regarding this, one of the factors influencing adolescents to try smoking is their surroundings. In Indonesia, for example, Kudus is a city where kretek cigarette is found; in this city, cigarette companies are established and are running now. Study aims: this study aims to analyze adolescent attitudes to cigarettes and smoking behavior. Method: Research participants were adolescents aged 15-19 from 9 districts in Kudus. The types of schools taken were public schools, schools under the Muhammadiyah Foundation, schools under the Nahdhatul Ulama Foundation, and schools under the PGRI Foundation. Sampling method using quota sampling. Forty-four youths were interviewed in this study. Data collection through an open-ended questionnaire based on attitude theory by Azwar. Data was gathered in January 2022 in this city, and they were analyzed by using descriptive analysis. Result: The result of this study involved several aspects, including cognitive, affective, and conative, as shown by the participants. In this study, cognitive dissonance theory was applied to the young smokers in Kudus. However, behavioral belief also circulates in the community that smoking is acceptable. Conclusion: This research can be a basic description of the condition of adolescents in Kota Kretek from all regions. Further research could be carried out with more specificity, depth and a larger number of young participants in Kota Kretek.