Korean J Child Health Nurs.  1998 Feb;4(1):128-149.

An Analysis on Attitudes of University Students in the Prediction of Smoking Behavior

• Jung HM

Abstract

Cigarette smoking has been identified as the single most important source of preventable morbidity and mortality. Smoking behavior varies each individual, so individuality & subjectivity of smoking behavior must be specially focused upon to understand smoking behavior. The purpose of this study was to find attitudes of university students in the prediction of smoking behavior. Q-Methodological method was used as a research design and data were collected during the period from Jan. 1, 1997 to Feb. 28, 1998. As the research method, Q-statements were collected through in-depth interviews and a literature review. For the study 33 Q-statements were selected. There were 45 university students as subjects for the research. The 45 university students sorted the 33 statements using the principle of Forced Normal Distribution. The principle of Forced Normal Distribution, which has nine scales to measure the individual opinions, Pc Quanl program was used for analysis and Q-factors were analyzed by using principal component analysis. According to the results of this study, there were four categories of opinion about the smoking behavior in university students. The first type is seeking the habitual dependency: The second type is seeking the stress relief: The third type is seeking the active disapproval: The fourth type is seeking the self control. As a result, The meaning of the smoking behavior is affected by perceived subjective experience, so we need to understand each persons meaning of the smoking behavior and to develop appropriate nursing interventions based on the typology of smoking behavior. Finally, The result of the study will provide basic data for smoking prevention and cessation program.

MeSH Terms

Humans
Individuality
Mortality
Nursing
Principal Component Analysis
Research Design
Smoke*
Smoking*
Weights and Measures
Child Health
Smoke