REASONS FOR SMOKING AMONG TEENAGERS OF
AGE 14 TO 17: A CASE OF RESIDENTS OF
BARANGAY AREA -F
Charlene Mae D. Cañete
Derrick S. Rante
Humanities and Social Sciences
Sapang Palay National High School,
Fatima V, City of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to determine the different reasons that influence teenagers to
smoke. The locale of the study was barangay Area F in Sapang Palay, City of San Jose del Monte.
A total number of thirty (30) respondents of age fourteen (14) years old to seventeen (17) years
were selected by means of snowball sampling. The researcher used a quantitative research design.
The data was acquired through survey questionnaires that were developed by the researchers. The
data gathered were treated using relative frequency distribution and weighted mean.
Based on the findings of this study, the various reasons that influenced teenagers to smoke in
terms of psychological factors are loneliness and boredom. In terms of personal factors,
socialization is the most influential. While, in terms of environmental aspects, the factors that affect
the respondents are the influence of family and friends who are smoking. Lastly, anxiousness and
craving as the most identified effects on the behaviour of the respondents resulting from the absence
and/or unmet quantity of smoking.
KEYWORDS – smoking, teenagers
INTRODUCTION
Smoking has been a matter of concern and debate for many years due to its widespread and
addictive nature. Inhaling and exhaling the smoke produced by burning tobacco carries substantial
health, social, and economic consequences. Although awareness of the harmful effects of smoking
has increased, it remains a prevalent behavior that affects people of various ages and backgrounds.
In recent times, the issue of smoking among minors, commonly known as underage smoking,
has emerged as a significant cause for worry. The use of tobacco products by individuals below the
legal age presents substantial risks to their health, social well-being, and overall development.
Despite the implementation of strict regulations and awareness campaigns, the challenge of reducing
the prevalence of smoking among minors persists across societies worldwide. In fact, Every day,
almost 2,500 children under 18 years of age try their first cigarette, and more than 400 of them will
become new, regular daily smokers. 3 Half of them will ultimately die from their habit (American
Lung Association, n.d.).
Due to smoking, millions of individuals live in poor health, and researchers estimate that
smoking causes 8 million premature deaths yearly (Ritchie and Roser,2022). In addition, smoking
has numerous side effects, including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, stroke, and chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD), with lung cancer being the most common.
There are numerous studies that prove the reasons why teenagers smoke. According to Anjum
et al. (2016), peer influence and curiosity about smoking were the main reasons for smoking
followed by teenagers considering smoking as fashionable. Moreover, the findings of Kristianto et
al. (2019) revealed that peer pressure and family influences have a role in teen smoking, is
consistent with this. Likewise, another study concluded that regardless of the gender of the parents
or the adolescents, smoking was linked to parental smoking (Rozi et al., 2016; Andrade et al., 2017).
In the study of Anjum et al. (2016), it was discovered that teenagers smoke primarily out of
curiosity and peer pressure, followed by a perception that smoking is fashionable. Whereas, based
on the study of Valera et al. (2016), smoking can produce psychological pleasure, which explains
why it might become addictive.
According to the data presented by Foundation for a Smoke-Free World (2023), in the
Philippines, youth (13-15 years old) prevalence rates for cigarettes have increased slightly
from 8.9% in 2011 to 10.8% in 2019. Prevalence rates were higher for boys versus girls. 14.1% of
youth used electronic cigarettes. This was higher than the prevalence rate for cigarette use among
youth. Cigarette smoking is evident within Barangay Area F, the community where the researchers
reside. Despite existing laws that prohibit minors from smoking, it is observed that they persist in
engaging in this behavior.
Thus, this study identifies and assesses the psychological, personal, and environmental
factors that influence the development of smoking habits among individuals aged 14 to 17 in Area-
F. By exploring these factors, the research seeks to provide a deeper understanding of why teenagers
initiate smoking. Additionally, the study investigated the causes and consequences of smoking
among this age group.
The following specific questions were considered by the researchers in conducting this
study.
1. What are the respondents’ demographic profiles in terms of:
1.1 age;
1.2 gender
2. What are the respondents’ smoking profiles in terms of:
2.1 age of First Cigarette Consumption
2.2 smoking frequency
2.3 place of smoking
3. How may the following factors influence the respondents toward their decision to
smoke?
3.1 psychological
3.2 personal
3.3 environmental
4. How does frequent smoking affect the respondents’ behavior when they do not
smoke or do not meet the desired quantity of cigarettes?
METHODOLOGY
The research conducted in this study employed a quantitative research analysis approach, as
defined by Bhandari (2020), which involves the collection and analysis of numerical data. This
methodology proves valuable in generating predictions, identifying patterns and averages,
examining causal relationships, and extrapolating findings to larger populations. This was used in
determining the common factors why minors are engaged in smoking.
The locale of this study is Barangay Area-F, San Jose del Monte City. The respondents were
teens of age 14-17 and were selected by means of a snowball sampling technique. This is a kind of
non-probability sampling which means that the existing study subject recruits future subjects from
among their acquaintances. Therefore, the sample group is said to grow like a rolling snowball.
Descriptive questionnaires were used to collect relevant data. This was developed by the
researcher and face validated by the research adviser. These were administered both face-to-face
and online.
Two statistical methods, relative frequency distribution and weighted mean were used to
analyze data. The former was used to summarize and present the respondents’ profiles while the
latter was applied to determine the possible reasons why teens are engaged in smoking.
The following table is utilized to gather, evaluate, and interpret the data.
Table 1
Description of the degree of influence of the Given Factors towards the Respondents’
decision to smoke
Range Interpretation
4.5–5 Very Influential
3.5–4.4 Influential
2.5–3.4 Moderately Influential
2–2.4 Somewhat Influential
1–1.4 Not Influential
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Demographic profile of the respondents
Table 2
Profile of the Respondent in Terms of Gender
Gender Frequency Percentage
Male 27 90%
Female 3 10%
Total 30 100%
The table above clearly presented that male participants are greater in number compared to
females. This proved that smoking is more prevalent among male youths in Barangay Area-f. The
findings of this research implicate that smoking has something to relate with masculinity which
could be the probable main reason why male respondents were the vast majority in the table.
Table 3
The Age of the Respondents
Age Frequency Percentage
14 4 13.33%
15 6 20%
16 7 23.33%
17 13 43.33%
Total 30 99.99%
The study classified the respondents based on their age, as indicated in the table presented
earlier. Among the 30 respondents from Area F, the largest group consisted of 17-year-olds,
comprising 13 respondents who reported being smokers. Following this, seven respondents were 16
years old, six were 15 years old, and four were 14 years old. Overall, the findings suggest that
among the teenagers in Area F, the highest likelihood of smoking was observed among those who
were 17 years old, compared to those aged 14 to 16.
Smoking profile of the respondents
Table 4
The Age When the Respondent Smoked for the First Time
Age of First Cigarette Frequency Percentage
Consumption
Below 14 13 43.33%
14 10 33.33%
15 5 16.66%
16 2 6.66%
17 0 0%
Total 30 99.98
The data revealed that most of the respondents begin smoking before the age of 14 years old,
with a frequency of 13 which comprised 43.33 percent of the respondents. That merely indicates
that smoking begins at a very young age, long before a child reaches its teenage years. This was
followed by the age group of 14 years old with a frequency of 10 accounting for 33.33 percent of the
respondents. Then, at the age of 15 years old, with a frequency of 5, that comprised 16.66 percent of
the respondents. Followed by 16 years old with a frequency of 2, which comprised 6.66 percent of
the respondents. Lastly is the age of 17 years old, with a frequency of 0, which comprised 0 percent
of the respondents.
Table 5
Quantity of Cigarettes Consumed Per Day
Number of sticks Frequency Percentage
1-3 8 26.66 %
3-5 4 13.33 %
5 and above 18 60 %
Total 30 99.99 %
The information in the table above showed that 18 smokers, or 60% of the sample, consumed
the most cigarettes per day, which is considered to be 5 sticks and above. Then, this was followed
by the consumption of 1-3 sticks consisting of 8 respondents, equating to 26.66 percent of the
population. Coming last is the consumption of 3-5 sticks with a frequency of 4 and a percentage of
13.33. The finding demonstrates that most respondents are thought to be most dependent on their
smoking habit.
Even though there is no precise measurement of a smoker's level of nicotine addiction, the
researchers created classifications that divide smokers into three categories: light smokers for 1-3
sticks, average smokers for 3-5, and heavy smokers for 5 and above. Therefore, the majority of
smokers are heavy smokers tantamount to the highest smoking dependence considering the table.
Additionally, even though light and average smokers consumed less, they are still considered as
risky given that it is everyday consumption and still an addiction. Basically, no safe level of
smoking exists.
Table 6
Locations Where the Respondent Usually Smokes
Place of smoking Frequency Percentage
At home 14 46.66%
At a friend’s home 23 76.66%
At school 8 26.66%
At social events 24 80%
In public places (e.g., 26 86.66%
parks, shopping centers,
street corners)
As revealed in the data above, public places (e.g., parks, shopping centers, street corners)
attained the highest percentage, accounting to 86.66 percent, for the leading place for smoking
among teenagers. The results implicated that typical exposures or interactions of teens with people
outside influence them the most to begin or continue smoking. The probable reasons for this might
be comprised of multi-factors related to psychological, personal as well as environmental aspects.
Second to the highest for places of smoking were social events. On top of that, the findings could
draw the conclusion that peer pressure is the primary motivation for smoking since friends, families,
and others could induce the respondent to smoke. A sense of belongingness could probably also be
one of the reasons for teens to smoke. Moving on, the ranking was followed by the home of friends,
garnering 76.66 percent of the population. The data remains as high even though placed at the third
spot. This environmental factor depicts that friends contribute largely to teenagers smoking
development. The home then came in as the fourth most popular location for smoking. Home as the
inevitable area where the teens reside has something to motivate the respondents to smoke, most
especially if one of the family members is a smoker. Last at the spot is the school, comprising 26.66
percent of the sample. This essentially indicated that classmates or schoolmates play a significant
factor in smoking among teenagers.
To sum it up, four of the places for smoking all hit high percentages. As a result, the study
determined that "places" integrates a huge part of smoking development, which might be comprised
of combined factors whether psychological, personal, or environmental.
Factors influencing the respondents toward their decision to smoke.
The following table indicates the reason for smoking among teenagers in terms of psychological
factors.
Table 7
The Psychological Reasons for Smoking
Psychological Mean Verbal Interpretation
Curiosity 2.60 Moderately Influential
Psychological stress 3.37 Moderately Influential
Psychological pressure 1.87 Somewhat Influential
Frustration/anger /stress 3.33 Moderately Influential
Loneliness and 3.93 Influential
boredom
Average: 3.02 Moderately Influential
When it comes to psychology, as revealed in the table, respondents identified loneliness and
boredom as the influential psychological factors affecting them. These factors have a strong impact
on their psychological well-being. On the other hand, curiosity, psychological stress, and
frustration/anger/stress were found to have a moderate influence on the respondents. And
psychological pressure was seen to have a somewhat lesser influence.
In general, psychological factors have a moderate level of influence on the respondents. This
means that while these factors play a role in shaping individuals' psychological state, they are not
the only factors that have an impact on smoking among teenagers.
The personal factors that influence teenagers to smoke are indicated in the table below.
Table 8
Personal Aspects that Affect the Respondent to Smoke
Personal Mean Verbal Interpretation
Fashionable 2.10 Moderately Influential
For Outlook 2.10 Moderately Influential
And personality
For a change in routine 2.47 Moderately Influential
lifestyle
Concentration 2.30 Somewhat Influential
In study or
Work
Appetite and weight 1.83 Somewhat Influential
reduction
Socialization 3.93 Influential
Average: 2.46 Moderately Influential
When it comes to personal factors that influence teenagers to smoke that shown in the table,
the respondents identified that fashionable, outlook and personality, and a change to routine lifestyle
have a mean of 2.10-2.47 indicating that it's moderately influential to teenagers. Furthermore,
concentration in study or work and appetite and weight reduction has a mean of 2.30-1.83,
signifying that it's somewhat influential to teenagers.
Moreover, socialization got the highest mean, which is 3.93, implying that it is influential to
teenagers to try smoking. As we all know socialization requires interaction with one another and a
process of social influence through which a person acquires the culture or subculture of their group.
Examples of this factor include situations in which either a smoker asks others or peers to smoke or
in which a person is asked to smoke by his or her peer group. To sum up, the average of personal
factors when it comes to influencing teenagers has a mean of 2.46, insinuating that it's moderately
influential to teenagers to experience or try smoking.
The motivation for smoking among teenagers in terms of environmental aspects is shown in
the following table. The motivation for smoking among teenagers in terms of environmental aspects
is categorized as "Moderately Influential" as it acquired an average of 2.46. From what can be
observed in the table above, the respondents identified that the smokers in the family have a mean of
2.47 and friends who smoke that has a mean of 3.33 was Moderately Influential, and
Advertisements that have a mean of 1.50 estimated as Somewhat Influential.
This table simply indicates that the teenagers who smoke in Barangay Area-f are moderately
influenced when it comes to family and friends. These factors are the moderate driving forces
behind how someone might decide to start smoking or be persuaded or pushed to do so by a variety
of encounters. Whereas the ads by role models seem to be somewhat influential.
Table 9
The Environmental Reasons for Smoking among Teenagers
Environmental Mean Verbal Interpretation
Advertisements 1.50 Somewhat Influential
Smokers in the 2.47 Moderately Influential
Family
Friends who smoke 3.33 Moderately Influential
Average: 2.46 Moderately Influential
To sum it up, the most influencing factors are loneliness and boredom and socialization. This
supports the result of the study of Hui li et al. (2020), Pereira et al. (2017), and Roble AK, et al.
(2021) which reveal that having a few smoking friends is one of the factors associated with
teenagers' smoking habits. In addition, having at least one parent/guardian, having a less supportive
parent, and having easy access to cigarettes were identified as factors of adolescent smoking habits.
Effects of the absence or unmet quantity of Cigarette consumption on the behavior of the
respondent
Table 10
The Effects of Cigarette Smoking on Behavior
Effects Frequency Percentage
Anxiousness 7 23.33%
Boredom 1 3.33%
Craving 7 23.33%
Irritated 1 3.33%
Relapse 3 10%
Salivating 4 13.33%
Tension 1 3.33%
Throat irritation 6 20%
No effect 10 33.33
The information above revealed the effects on the behavior of respondents of absence and
unmet quantity of smoking. With a frequency of 20, equating to 66.66 percent of the sample, with
effect acquired the highest among the effects regarding smoking. Anxiousness and craving were the
most identified effects, both with a score of 23.33 percent. The former was deemed to either be
uncomfortably quiet or zone out. The latter was described as a need that resembled hunger.
Comprising six respondents, the second-highest response was throat irritation. The majority of
teenagers reported it as itchiness of the throat while others described it as a painful sensation when
swallowing or coughing. Salivating was third in line. This basically means over-secretion of saliva
in longing for smoking cigarettes. Relapses with a frequency of three were another consequence that
was noted. According to the responders, this is how their bodies personally define the desire to
smoke—as symptoms of sickness, physical aches, or a minor temperature. Then, the out-of-breath
was fifth in place. In essence, this is known as gasping for air. Lastly, three effects acquired the
same frequency of 1, there is tension, which is a condition of nervousness or uneasiness; irritation,
which is the sense of being irritated or easily angered; and boredom, which is being idle or lacking
in activities. On the other hand, ten respondents, comprising 33.33 of the population, experienced
smoking but reported no effects.
CONCLUSIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS
Based on the result of the study, male respondents who are seventeen years old are more likely
to smoke than females. The study also revealed that most of the smokers in Barangay Area-F begin
smoking before they reach the age of fourteen. Additionally, in terms of cigarette consumption by
the respondents per day, there is a large number of heavy smokers who evidently consume three to
five sticks daily. The majority of those surveyed said that they preferred to smoke in public places
and at their friend’s houses.
Based on the findings from the survey, several key factors were identified as influential in
relation to smoking among the respondents. In terms of psychological factors, participants indicated
that feelings of loneliness and boredom played a significant role in their decision to smoke.
Additionally, when considering personal factors, socialization emerged as a prominent influence on
their smoking behavior. Regarding environmental aspects, the teenagers in the study highlighted
that the presence of smokers in their family and friends who smoke had a moderate level of
influence on their smoking habits. This suggests that social connections and the behavior of close
peers can impact the decision to smoke. Furthermore, the absence of smoking and unmet cravings
had notable effects on the behavior of the respondents. Anxiety and strong cravings were identified
as the most common effects resulting from the lack of smoking.
Recommendation
1. The implementation of a policy within Barangay Area-F that restricts Sari-sari stores from
selling cigarettes to minors, with strict age limitations enforced in every store, is essential to
prevent underage smoking.
2. It is crucial for parents to guide their children’s daily routines actively and strictly, including
monitoring their interactions with others. By fostering a healthy connection with their
children, parents can help prevent psychological factors that may contribute to smoking.
3. The government should consider enacting regulations that hold parents and Sari-sari store
owners accountable for appropriate fines if a minor is caught purchasing or smoking
cigarettes, creating a stronger deterrent against underage smoking.
4. Higher taxation on cigarettes should be implemented by the government to increase their
price and discourage teenagers from engaging in smoking due to financial constraints.
5. Future researchers should focus on conducting studies that evaluate the effectiveness of
smoking prevention programs among individuals of all ages, aiming to develop more
comprehensive and targeted approaches to address smoking habits.
6. A valuable avenue for future research would be investigating the influence of alcohol on the
development of smoking habits among teenagers, exploring potential links and
understanding the interplay between these two behaviors.
7. Researchers should also consider conducting studies that examine the reasons for vape
smoking among teenagers, along with its associated effects, to gain a better understanding of
this emerging trend and inform appropriate prevention and intervention strategies
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