Smoking among adolescents is an increasingly alarming phenomenon, with prevalence continuing to rise globally, including in Indonesia. Adolescents are often in a phase of identity seeking and exploration, making them more vulnerable to the influence of social environments and cigarette advertisements. This study aims to identify the relationship between knowledge, peers, and the influence of cigarette advertisements on students at SMKN 02 Banda Aceh.
This study utilized a quantitative design with a cross-sectional approach. The research population consisted of 776 students from grades X and XI at SMK Negeri 2 Banda Aceh. Using an accidental sampling technique, a sample of 90 students was obtained (45 from grade X and 45 from grade XI). Primary data were collected via questionnaires distributed directly to respondents. Data analysis included univariate analysis (frequency distribution) and bivariate analysis using the chi-square test at a 95% significance level (α = 0.05$) to test the relationships between variables.
The univariate analysis results explained that the majority of students fell into the smoking category (73.33%), had good knowledge of smoking hazards (68.89%), experienced good peer influence (57.78%), and perceived a negative influence from cigarette advertisements (54.44%). Bivariate analysis showed a significant relationship between peer influence (P=0.046) and cigarette advertisement influence (P=0.0001) with smoking behavior among students at SMKN 02 Banda Aceh13. However, knowledge of smoking hazards (P=0.784) had no significant relationship with smoking behavior.
In response, the government should tighten regulations on cigarette advertising and enhance interactive educational programs regarding the dangers of smoking. SMK Negeri 02 Banda Aceh is advised to develop anti-smoking counseling and establish peer support groups. Future research should consider longitudinal methods, additional variables, and evaluate the effectiveness of school-based intervention programs.