THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MENTAL HEALTH AND SMOKING BEHAVIOR OF ADOLESCENT IN SMAN 1 NORTH KOLAKA, SOUTHEAST SULAWESI

Abstract

Background. Smoking behavior among adolescents is a significant public health issue influenced by various psychosocial factors, including mental health. Adolescent Mental Health Survey (I-NAMS) in 2022 reported that identified adolescents aged 10-17 yaers who experienced anxiety (26,7%), depression (5,3%), behavioral disorders (2,4%), PTSD (1,8%) dan ADHD or hyperactivity (10,6%). Aim. This study aimed to analyse the relationship between mental health and smoking behavior among male students at SMAN 1 Kolaka Utara, Southeast Sulawesi. This type of research is a quantitative study with cross-sectional design involving 200 male students aged 15-18 years who were identified as smokers using a smoking behaviour screening questionnaire. Mental health was assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), which evaluates prosocial behavior, emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity, and peer problems. Data analysis was carried out using univariate analysis, bivariate analysis and multivariate analysis. Results. The majority of the study sample was aged 15-17 years, with the highest distribution at 17 years old (33.5%), came from grade 3 (34.5%), and had parents who worked as farmers (48.5%). Relationship analysis showed that prosocial behavior, emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity and peer influence significantly influenced adolescent smoking behavior, with prosocial behavior and conduct problems being the dominant factors. These variables together contributed 38.8% to the variation in smoking behavior, while prosocial behavior (β=0.424, p=0.000), behavioral problems (β=0.314, p=0.000), and hyperactivity (β=0.106, p=0.013) had a significant influence in increasing smoking risk. Conclusion. Adolescent smoking behavior is strongly influenced by mental health, with behavioral issues and prosocial behavior leading the way. The significance of mental health therapies in avoiding teen smoking is underscored by these findings.