The Impact of Smoking on University Students and Perceptions of Personal Rights Violations Related to Smoking in Public Spaces: A Case Study of a University in Songkhla Province

Abstract

DOI :  10.14456/pnuhuso.2025.10  

       This research aimed to: 1) investigate the prevalence and accessibility of smoking among undergraduates, 2) explore the impacts of smoking on undergraduate students, and 3) assess students' knowledge of personal rights violations related to smoking in public spaces. Research instruments included questionnaire and in-depth Interviews with a sample of 400 undergraduate students. Educational activities were also conducted to enhance participants' understanding of smoking regulations in public areas, highlighting examples of violations of personal rights and the broader impacts of smoking. The findings revealed that smoking had a substantial overall impact on the sample group, with a mean score of 3.70. When analyzed by specific aspects, the greatest impact was on physical health (M = 3.82), followed by economic effects (M = 3.74) and psychological impact (M = 3.65). Furthermore, participants demonstrated a lack of awareness regarding personal rights violations, such as laws prohibiting smoking in religious establishments, including temples, churches, and mosques. Educational activities were conducted in an online format to demonstrate the impacts of smoking and raise awareness about respecting personal rights in public spaces. Post-activity surveys showed that participants' knowledge and understanding of smoking regulations and personal rights increased by 80% compared to pre-activity levels.