Academic Performance and Social Environment of Teenage Smokers in Bengkulu City, Indonesia: A Mixed Research Approach

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the academic performance and social surroundings of teenage smokers in Bengkulu City, Indonesia, utilizing a mixed research methodology that incorporated both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The quantitative data was obtained via structured interviews with 130 teenage smokers, while the qualitative data was obtained through in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation. The findings revealed that 51 out of 130 participants achieved a “top 10” rank in their academic performance, and 48 claimed to have achieved a “top 3 rank”. Moreover, 65% of participants reported that their family environment was supportive of their academic achievement, and there was a significant association between family environment and academic performance (OR = 10.795; p < 0.05). Additionally, 55% of participants reported that their peer environment was supportive of their academic achievement, and there was a significant association between peer environment and academic performance (OR = 10.706; p = 0.030). Furthermore, 58% of participants reported that the community environment supported their academic achievement, but there was no significant relationship between the community environment and academic performance (OR = 6.787; p = 0.148). Finally, 59% of participants reported that the work environment supported their academic achievement, but there was no significant relationship between workplace environment and academic performance (OR = 7.598; p = 0.107). The study recommends that parents and schools should focus on improving their children’s academic performance, particularly in the context of peer relationships.