Fenomena perokok wanita di wilayah kerja Puskesmas Tes, Kabuapten Lebong, Provinsi Bengkulu

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the cause and process of women smoking behavior. Method: Phenomenological study conducted involving 15 women who smoked and lived in Tes village, Lebong District of Bengkulu.  Data collection through in-depth interviews and participant observation. The validity of this data through in-depth interviews on two public health center staff, and four husbands of the participants.Results: Imitating friends, having smoking mothers, financial independency, increased sensitivity and desire for cigarette smoke smell when pregnant were the reasons women to smoke. They enjoy cigaret after meal and smoked as part of their culture (smoke on the day received salary and celebrations day “uleak”). If they were not smoking they got headaches, bitter mouth and tongue felt thick, and support from husband towards smoking behavior. The study also found that there was no any education about the impacts of smoking. Conclusion: It is indispensable to do health education about the impacts of smoking on health for women and required a special program to help women smokers to stop smoking and prevent non-smoking women from start smoking, such as quit smoking counseling services.