Factors Influencing The Behavior of Using Electronic Cigarettes Among Young Women in Medan City in 2024

Abstract

Currently, e-cigarette smoking behavior has become a popular phenomenon in society, especially among women. Data from the 2023 Indonesian Health Survey stated that e-cigarette smokers among women were 5.5 percent and men 3.1 percent. The results of a preliminary survey conducted on 32 women in Medan City showed that the majority of respondents were interested in smoking because of friends' invitations and saw other people smoking as many as 11 people (34.4%). In theory, this is called conformity. So the purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of conformity on e-cigarette smoking behavior among women in Medan City. The type of research used was a survey with a cross-sectional approach. With a sample size of 271 female e-cigarette smokers. The sampling technique used was Accidental Sampling. The data collection method was carried out using a questionnaire that had passed validity and reliability tests. Data analysis carried out included univariate analysis to describe the frequency distribution of each variable and bivariate analysis using a simple linear regression analysis test. The results of the study showed a sig value of 0.000 <0.05 so it can be concluded that there is an influence between conformity and electronic smoking behavior in women in Medan City. With a positive regression coefficient of 0.409, which means that when there is an increase in the conformity variable, the smoking behavior variable will increase. Health problems regarding electronic smoking behavior are a shared responsibility. Increasing public understanding of the dangers of cigarettes is very important so that increased promotional actions and policies are needed to reduce the number of smokers, both electronic smokers and conventional cigarettes in Indonesia.