Teenage Perception Of Health Warning Images On Cigarette Packaging At SMK Nahdlatul Ulama Medan In 2015
Teenage Perception of Health Warning Images on Cigarette Packaging at SMK Nahdlatul Ulama Medan in 2015
Introduction
The alarming rise in cigarette consumption among teenagers in Indonesia has become a pressing concern for the government and health organizations. In response to this issue, the government has implemented a regulation requiring cigarette companies to include health warning images on cigarette packaging. These images aim to raise awareness about the health risks associated with smoking. This study aims to investigate the perception of adolescents at SMK Nahdlatul Ulama Medan on health warning images on cigarette packaging in 2015.
Background
Cigarette consumption among teenagers in Indonesia has increased significantly, posing a threat to their health and well-being. The government's response to this issue has been to require cigarette companies to include health warning images on cigarette packaging. These images are designed to educate consumers about the dangers of smoking and to discourage them from smoking. However, the effectiveness of these images in achieving their intended purpose is still unclear.
Methodology
This study employed a qualitative approach, using a phenomenological study design. The study was conducted at the Nahdlatul Ulama Medan Vocational School, which is a reputable institution in Indonesia. The data collection method used was in-depth interviews with seven informants who were selected based on their willingness to participate in the study. The informants were asked to share their perceptions and understanding of the health warning images on cigarette packaging.
Results
The results of the study showed that the perception of adolescent smokers regarding health warning images is that the images are considered unreal, artificial, and chronic diseases displayed are not directly related to smoking. This suggests that smokers may not fully understand the consequences of their actions and may not be motivated to quit smoking. On the other hand, teenagers who are not smokers tend to see the picture as a frightening and scary picture. This shows the difference in views between adolescents who smoke and who do not smoke against health warning images.
Factors Influencing Perception
Several factors influence the perception of smokers' youth. First, their knowledge of the dangers of smoking. Although they know that smoking is dangerous, they do not fully understand the consequences. Second, individual interest factors, where they feel that health warning images are not important, especially if they do not experience disease after years of smoking.
On the other hand, the factor that influences the perception of non-smokers is better knowledge about the dangers of smoking. They consider health warning images as very important information to disseminate the dangers of smoking to the public. Images that show throat cancer are considered a real representation of the dangers of smoking and can be used as an educational medium about the risk of smoking.
Discussion
The findings of this study suggest that the perception of adolescents regarding health warning images on cigarette packaging is influenced by their knowledge of the dangers of smoking and individual interest factors. Smokers tend to view the images as unreal and artificial, while non-smokers see them as frightening and scary. This difference in perception highlights the need for more effective health education and awareness campaigns to prevent cigarette consumption among adolescents.
Conclusion
Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended to install various forms of information media about the dangers of smoking in the school environment. This effort can involve the use of more frightening and stronger images to attract the attention of adolescents, as well as increasing awareness of the negative impacts of smoking. This step is expected to make a positive contribution in efforts to prevent cigarette consumption among adolescents, so that the younger generation can be protected from health risks caused by smoking habits.
Recommendations
- Installation of Health Education Materials: Install various forms of information media about the dangers of smoking in the school environment.
- Use of Frightening and Stronger Images: Use more frightening and stronger images to attract the attention of adolescents.
- Increasing Awareness of Negative Impacts: Increase awareness of the negative impacts of smoking among adolescents.
- Health Education and Awareness Campaigns: Conduct health education and awareness campaigns to prevent cigarette consumption among adolescents.
Limitations
This study has several limitations. First, the sample size was small, consisting of only seven informants. Second, the study was conducted in a single school, which may not be representative of all schools in Indonesia. Third, the study only focused on the perception of adolescents regarding health warning images on cigarette packaging and did not explore other factors that may influence their behavior.
Future Research Directions
Future research should aim to explore other factors that influence the behavior of adolescents regarding cigarette consumption. Additionally, studies should be conducted in different settings, such as schools and communities, to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Teenage Perception of Health Warning Images on Cigarette Packaging
Q: What is the main purpose of health warning images on cigarette packaging?
A: The main purpose of health warning images on cigarette packaging is to raise awareness about the health risks associated with smoking and to discourage consumers from smoking.
Q: How do smokers perceive health warning images on cigarette packaging?
A: Smokers tend to view health warning images on cigarette packaging as unreal and artificial, and may not fully understand the consequences of their actions.
Q: How do non-smokers perceive health warning images on cigarette packaging?
A: Non-smokers tend to see health warning images on cigarette packaging as frightening and scary, and may be more likely to understand the dangers of smoking.
Q: What factors influence the perception of smokers' youth regarding health warning images on cigarette packaging?
A: The factors that influence the perception of smokers' youth regarding health warning images on cigarette packaging include their knowledge of the dangers of smoking and individual interest factors.
Q: What is the role of knowledge in influencing the perception of smokers' youth regarding health warning images on cigarette packaging?
A: Knowledge plays a significant role in influencing the perception of smokers' youth regarding health warning images on cigarette packaging. Smokers who have better knowledge of the dangers of smoking are more likely to understand the consequences of their actions.
Q: What is the role of individual interest factors in influencing the perception of smokers' youth regarding health warning images on cigarette packaging?
A: Individual interest factors, such as the desire to fit in with peers or to rebel against authority, can influence the perception of smokers' youth regarding health warning images on cigarette packaging.
Q: What are some effective ways to prevent cigarette consumption among adolescents?
A: Some effective ways to prevent cigarette consumption among adolescents include installing health education materials in schools, using frightening and stronger images on cigarette packaging, and increasing awareness of the negative impacts of smoking.
Q: What is the importance of health education and awareness campaigns in preventing cigarette consumption among adolescents?
A: Health education and awareness campaigns are crucial in preventing cigarette consumption among adolescents. These campaigns can help to raise awareness about the dangers of smoking and to encourage adolescents to make informed decisions about their health.
Q: What are some limitations of the study on teenage perception of health warning images on cigarette packaging?
A: Some limitations of the study on teenage perception of health warning images on cigarette packaging include the small sample size, the limited scope of the study, and the lack of generalizability to other populations.
Q: What are some future research directions on teenage perception of health warning images on cigarette packaging?
A: Some future research directions on teenage perception of health warning images on cigarette packaging include exploring other factors that influence the behavior of adolescents regarding cigarette consumption, conducting studies in different settings, and developing more effective health education and awareness campaigns.
Q: What are some implications of the study on teenage perception of health warning images on cigarette packaging for policymakers and health professionals?
A: The study on teenage perception of health warning images on cigarette packaging has several implications for policymakers and health professionals. It highlights the need for more effective health education and awareness campaigns, the importance of installing health education materials in schools, and the need for policymakers to develop and implement policies that prevent cigarette consumption among adolescents.