THE IMPACT OF CIGARETTE ON ADOLESCENT CHARACTER FORMATION

By

Evanda Dwi Rahmawati (202101105)

Catur Delshita Setya Dewi (202101112)

Abstract

Adolescents become valuable human resources when their nutritional needs are met early on.
In 2018, it was found that the smoking rate among 16 to 19 year olds was 20.5%. The
smoking age of young people in Indonesia today is the age when smoking is younger (early).
The number of new smokers aged 10–14 years increased by more than 100 in less than 20
years. It is proven that smoking habits are associated with about 25 types of diseases in
various organs of the human body. These diseases include: Cancer of the mouth, esophagus,
pharynx, larynx, lung, pancreas, bladder and blood vessel disease. It is also influenced by
alcohol consumption and other factors. Smoking is the cause of 87% of deaths from lung
cancer. In women, lung cancer surpasses breast cancer as the leading cause of cancer death.
Smoking impairs normal lung function because hemoglobin can carry carbon dioxide to
carboxyhemoglobin more easily than oxygen. People who smoke heavily (active smokers)
and people who inhale a lot of cigarette smoke (passive smokers) may have more carbon
monoxide than oxygen in their lungs, so the oxygen level in the blood is around 15% of
normal oxygen levels. At first glance, the habit of smoking for a certain period of time does
not seem to have much effect on character formation. However, if we re-analyze the
important role of organic factors in character formation, then it is not an exaggeration to
assume that everything that affects the normal function of an organ, ultimately also affects the
activities of other organs of the body.

Keywords: The Impact of Cigarettes, Adolescent Characters

INTRODUCTION

Teenagers are the most potential human resources in a country and are the next
generation of the country. Adolescents become valuable human resources when their
nutritional needs are met early on. According to the World Health Organization (WHO),
adolescents are children aged 10-19 years. The Ministry of Health reported that in 2006 the
number of adolescents aged 10-19 years was 43 million or 19.61% of the total population of
Indonesia, while data for 2008 stated that the number of adolescents increased by around 62
million. Based on 2020 census data, there are 67 million youth (10-24 years), which is 24%
of the total population of Indonesia. This shows that the number of teenagers in Indonesia
increases dramatically every year.

When someone smokes, at that time harmful substances to the body are also inhaled.
Smoking behavior usually occurs in adolescence. In 2018, it was found that the smoking rate
among 16 to 19 year olds was 20.5%. The smoking age of young people in Indonesia today is
the age when smoking is younger (early). The number of new smokers aged 10–14 years
increased by more than 100 in less than 20 years. According to Setiyanto, R, (2013), peer
pressure, young smoker friends, low socioeconomic status, smoking parents, siblings, and the
school environment (teachers) who smoke and who don't smoke are factors that influence
smoking habits. that smoking is harmful to health.

One effort that can be done is to change healthy behavior in adolescents by providing
opportunities for them to increase their knowledge so that they can make the right decisions
in making decisions that are important for their health. Health education is basically an
activity or effort to convey health messages to the younger generation. In other words, this
health promotion aims to bring changes in the character of the younger generation.

DISCUSSION

A. The Effect of Cigarettes on Health

The harmful effects of smoking are widely debated. Research in England
shows that around 50% of teenage smokers will die from smoking-related diseases. It
is proven that smoking habits are associated with about 25 types of diseases in various
organs of the human body. These diseases include: Cancer of the mouth, esophagus,
pharynx, larynx, lung, pancreas, bladder and blood vessel disease. It is also influenced
by alcohol consumption and other factors. (Aditama, 1995). Smoking is the cause of
87% of deaths from lung cancer. In women, lung cancer surpasses breast cancer as the
leading cause of cancer death. This is because the number of women who smoke has
increased over the past three decades. Smoking is now also considered a cause of
pregnancy failure, increased infant mortality, and chronic stomach disease. Smoking
impairs normal lung function because hemoglobin can carry carbon dioxide to
carboxyhemoglobin more easily than oxygen. People who smoke heavily (active
smokers) and people who inhale a lot of secondhand smoke (passive smokers) may
 have more carbon monoxide than oxygen in their lungs, so the oxygen level in the
blood is about 15% of normal oxygen levels.
B. Impact of Cigarettes and Character Formation
According to the Director General of the Ministry of Education and Culture,
character is a way of thinking and behaving that is characteristic of each individual to
live and work together in the family, community, nation and state. At first glance, the
habit of smoking for a certain period of time does not seem to have much effect on
character formation. However, if we re-analyze the important role of organic factors
in the formation of character, then it is not an exaggeration to assume that everything
that affects the normal functioning of an organ, ultimately also affects the activities of
other organs of the body. For example, cigarettes contain nicotine which is toxic. One
of the toxic effects that threaten human health is the effect on the structural integrity
of blood vessels, which increases blood viscosity and is a risk factor for
cardiovascular disease.
Some of the other effects caused by smoking habits such as :
1. Facial wrinkles: Smoking can reduce the flow of oxygen and nutrients needed by
facial skin cells, constrict blood vessels around the face, which can cause facial
wrinkles.
2. Stained teeth and bad breath, as well as cigarette particles, can cause yellow or
brown stains on teeth, which also attract odor-causing bacteria. In addition,
smokers are more likely to experience gum disorders and tooth loss.
3. Smelly environment, cigarettes have an unpleasant odor and can stick to
everything from your skin, hair, clothes and things around you.
4. Because children are a bad example for children, the way children set an example
for their parents in their life makes them follow their parents and become
addicted to seeing their parents.
5. As a gateway to drug use, nicotine has the same brain-damaging properties as
illegal drugs. In order of addiction, nicotine is more addictive than alcohol, and
caffeine is more likely to open up opportunities for future drug use.
C. Smoking Prevention Efforts in Adolescents
Here are some preventive actions that health workers can take against young smokers:
1. Training and information
 Health workers can provide accurate information and education about the risks
of smoking for adolescent health. They can explain the negative effects of
smoking such as lung disease, cancer and other health problems.
2. Advice and encouragement to quit smoking
Health professionals can advise young smokers, help them understand the
reasons for smoking and support them in quitting smoking. They can also provide
effective smoking cessation strategies.
3. Prevention programs in schools
Health workers can work with schools to organize smoking prevention
programs, such as lectures, group discussions or activities aimed at increasing
awareness of the dangers of smoking and influencing the behavior of the younger
generation.
4. Anti Smoking Campaign
Health workers can participate in community anti-smoking campaigns through
social media, billboards, advertisements or activities aimed at increasing public
awareness of the dangers of smoking and encouraging the younger generation not
to smoke.
5. Start a self-help group
Health workers can help start groups or support clubs in schools to help young
people who want to quit smoking. These groups can provide emotional and
practical support to young people trying to quit smoking.
6. Cooperation with parents
Health workers can involve parents in smoking prevention. They can provide
parents with information on how to recognize the signs of teen smoking and
suggestions on how to deal with the problem.
7. Smoke free environment campaign
Health workers can encourage the implementation of school policies or
policies that prohibit smoking in public places, thereby creating a healthier
environment and reducing young people's access to tobacco.
It is important to note that effective prevention efforts require a holistic approach
and involve multiple stakeholders, including families, schools, communities and
government.
 CONCLUTION
Teenagers are the most potential human resources in a country and are the next
generation of the country. Adolescents become valuable human resources when their
nutritional needs are met early on. Smoking behavior usually occurs in adolescence. The
smoking age of young people in Indonesia today is the age when smoking is younger
(early). The number of new smokers aged 10–14 years increased by more than 100 in less
than 20 years.
Character is a way of thinking and behaving that is characteristic of each individual to
live and work together in the family, society, nation and state. At first glance, the habit of
smoking for a certain period of time does not seem to have much effect on character
formation. However, if we re-analyze the important role of organic factors in the formation
of character, then it is not an exaggeration to assume that everything that affects the normal
functioning of an organ, ultimately also affects the activities of other organs of the body.
SUGGESTION
Adolescence is a time when we have to gain a lot of experiences and make our bodies
healthy. Quitting smoking is a good decision for your health. Seek support from family and
friends. Find healthy options like exercise or a new hobby. Avoid situations that trigger the
urge to smoke. Consider joining a smoking cessation program. Remember that health is
important and there are many benefits to quitting smoking.

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