The Effect of Peer Group Social Capital on Smoking Behavior among Adolescents in Kulon Progo, Yogyakarta

Background: Almost 5.4 million people die annually from smoking. It is estimated that in 2030, deaths from smoking will reach 8 million per year, 80% of which will correspond to developing countries. Smokers have about 20-25 years less life expectancy. Smoking is associated with various diseases such as heart and respiratory diseases, stroke and cancer. This study aimed to determine the effect of peer group social capital on smoking behavior among adolescents in Kulon Progo, Yogyakarta. Subjects and Method: This was a case control study conducted in Kulon Progo, Yogyakarta, from April to June 2018. A total of 400 adolescents consisting of 200 smokers and 200 non smokers were selected for this study. The dependent variable was smoking behavior. The independent variables were intention, subjective norm, and peer group social capital. The data were collected by questionnaire and analyzed by a path analysis. Results: The decision not to smoke was associated with strong intention (b= 1.74; 95% CI= 2.29 to 1.18; p<0.001), favorable subjective norm (b= 1.58; 95% CI = 0.99 to 2.18; p<0.001), favorable peer group social capital (b= 2.88; 95% CI= 1.50 to 4.46; p= 0.038). Conclusion: The decision not to smoke is associated with intention, subjective norm, and peer group social capital.