Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
REGION II
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF TUGUEGARAO CITY
CATAGGAMAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Chapter 1
THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND
Introduction
Smoking is one of today's most widespread issues that is killing people.
Many individuals develop this habit due to stress, personal troubles, and other
factors. In fact, some even start advertising it. When an individual smoke, they
harm themselves and everyone around them.
The youth are one of the most affected by smoking habits. Cataggaman
National High School observed a large number of students who were engaging
in smoking. Despite the fact that there are government warnings and medical
proof that smoking is detrimental to their health, they still engage in it. This
may be because they are aware of the effects of smoking, but because they are
still young, they don’t seem to care for it. However, in the long run, they may
have diseases that will cause them death, such as cancer, heart disease, lung
disease, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
The lungs are greatly influenced by smoking. To give an example, it may have
an impact on breathing, resulting in coughing and shortness of breath.
Further, it raises the possibility of respiratory tract infections, eventually
lowering the quality of life. Smoking has a bearing on a person's well-being and
has grave health consequences. Especially the senses of taste and smell are
affected. Also, it hinders one's capacity for exercising. It also damages the
appearance by causing yellow teeth and sagging skin. It also has a greater risk
of experiencing anxiety or depression. Additionally, smoking has a detrimental
effect on our connections with friends and colleagues.
Observing the young generation today, we have noticed that many have been
using cigarettes as usual. Particularly in CATNHS, we can see them smoking in
the streets or different stores before and after going to school. Moreover,
smoking at an early age may affect their personal, social, and academic
endeavours. Students say that through smoking, their anger or anxiety has
been released. It is their coping mechanism to ease the overwhelming feeling
that they cannot seem to release in any other way. In the study by the
American Lung Association (2027), students began smoking because of peer
pressure. Their friends encouraged them to try cigarettes and to keep smoking.
They thought that everyone else was smoking and that they should too.
It is alarming knowing that even though there is a warning on the same
package of cigarettes, students do not seem to care for their health. Given this
fact, We, the researchers, decided to come up with this study to determine the
level of awareness of the effects of smoking on personal and social aspects in
this way. We may encourage many teenagers to start caring for their health,
and this study is a simple way to let them know that we care. We are interested
in conducting this study on the level of awareness of Senior High School
Students regarding the effects of smoking on social and personal aspects,
which serves several purposes. Firstly, it helps assess this specific
demographic's knowledge gaps and misconceptions. By understanding their
level of awareness, targeted educational interventions can be developed to
provide accurate and comprehensive information about the detrimental
consequences of smoking. Secondly, the study aims to empower senior high
school students to make informed smoking decisions and encourage healthy
behaviors. Ultimately, the goal is to enhance their awareness, reduce smoking
initiation rates, and promote a healthier future generation.
