St.

Thomas More College-Clark

Villasol Subd., New York Street, Angeles City, Pampanga

Final Requirement in
The Contemporary World

Assessing the Misconceptions of

Angeles City National High School SHS Smokers
Towards the Physiological Effects of
Teenage Cigarette Smoking

Bognot, Rennhil Christian C.

Cabingan, Rochelle
Cruz, Shin B.
Mantes, Kirth Ariston G.
Romero, Angelica Joyce Q.

To be submitted to:
Ms. Marlyn Gonzales

December 2019
 Abstract

It is apparent that a large amount of increased preventable

death worldwide is caused by smoking. Meanwhile, since it is

continuing to be dominant and widely concerning among teenagers

in today’s generation, the central objectives of this study

sought to find some misconceptions and further on clarify these

in a narrative way regarding teenage smoking and its relative

causes and mainly, physiological effects among teenagers; then,

relatively, certain ways on how to gradually quit. The

respondents that participated in the study are some of the

selected Senior High School students, that are smokers, of

Angeles City National High School(ACNHS) of Pampanga. Another

referential basis for the study is the internet. Descriptive

research design was used to gather relevant data.

Recommendations were then given upon coming up with the analysis

and conclusion afterwards.

 INTRODUCTION

Over the course of years, cigarette smoking has been a major

problem at par with the health of many people worldwide. It has

been an interesting topic in researches all throughout the years

as smoking has been immutably evident to people at almost every

corner of the world. Subject to its prevalence among adults of

both sexes, it seems to be an accepted and a traditional part of

growing up for many children. Currently, ponder results affirm

that smoking is a potential risk factor for health, resulting to

growing morbidity and mortality rate that can be well

anticipated. Concurring to the World Health Organization(WHO),

more than 4 million deaths are recorded annually that is

relevant to tobacco-related diseases. Concisely, the

presentation of cigarette among teenagers can alternatively

involve with their physiological and psychological development.

However, smoking itself cannot be classified as a main but

other factor towards one’s decision to take. Specifically,

certain fallacies about smoking has been legitimately on the

roof and probably, has contributed a great part towards a

smoker’s life. Concisely, these misconceptions to be unveiled

seems to generally affect the subject and was preferred to be

the main issue of this study.

 The National Cancer Institute defines cigarette and cigarette

smoking as “a tube-shaped tobacco product that is made of finely

cut, cured tobacco leaves wrapped in thin paper. It may also

have other ingredients, including substances to add different

flavors. A cigarette is lit on one end and smoked, and the smoke

is usually inhaled into the lungs. Cigarettes contain nicotine

and many cancer-causing chemicals that are harmful to both

smokers and nonsmokers.”

Similarly, the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act

(FCLAA), 15 U.S.C. §1332(1)(A) and (B) defines a cigarette as “any

roll of tobacco wrapped in paper or in any substance not containing

tobacco…[and] any roll of tobacco wrapped in any substance

containing tobacco which, because of its appearance, the type of

tobacco used in the filler, or its packaging and labeling, is

likely to be offered to, or purchased by, consumers as a

cigarette…” To correlate with the matters of cigarette smoking,

a study by Anjum (2016), stated that curiosity, loneliness and

boredom, and relief to stress are the major factors why teenager

tend to smoke in his study in Vikarabad town with a percentage of

94, 94, and 86, respectively.

The propensity for smoking is to a great extent observed among

youthful age in light of absence of the mindfulness and legitimate

instruction and further education. However, there are some

different causes like-peer pressures; appealing promoting, want to

look cool and so forth, and likewise, some natural variables urge

youngsters to smoke (Hossain, Azad, & Parvin, 2011).

Waldkirch, Cox and Ng (2004) argued that in spite of the fact

that income is considerably a significant wellspring of the

intergenerational connection, parental decisions and encounters as

well influence kids' utilization conduct.

Furthermore, the American Lung Association identifies parents

and peer pressure as the major factors of influence among teenage

smokers. They clarified that since parents are the foremost

responsible for decision-making among children, their kids tend to

follow what they think is what their parents do. As for the latter,

according to a doctor at the Weill Medical College of Cornell

University, teens are very quick and accurate in making sound

judgments on their own and in situations where they have time to

think. However, when they have to make decisions in social

situations, their conclusions are mostly influenced by external

factors such as their peers (Casey, 2008), leading to peer pressure

as a subsequent matter for decision making among young adults.

In agreement with the mentioned cause, Ohida et al (2001)

supports friends as a number one factor for smoking behavior as it

is relevant to their study findings among medical students, aged

below 18, in Japan and Albania.

 Relatively, whereas numerous smokers accept that smoking

soothes stress, it is, thus, really a major cause. Smoking as it

is, shows up to diminish stress since it reduces the irritability

and tension caused by the fundamental nicotine compulsion (Baker

et al, 2008).

Considering dissected personal information and in relevance to,

among the studies of Gaete et al (2008), the researchers have found

out that expanded hazard for smoking is related with destitute

scholastic execution, low instructive goals and low school

commitment.

Recent studies, then, emphasize several major effects of

cigarette smoking to teenagers and in relevance to the implications

of smoking, Pampel and Aguilar (2008) stated that as smoking is

the leading cause of preventable death, it has concisely,

therefore, a long term-effect for teenagers’ health (Hummer et al,

2005), considering that not only their lifestyle as teens are

implicated but also their well-being as adults. Slovic (2001)

pointed out teens having a futuristic perception of quitting but

the addictive side of nicotine leads to a precedent result then.

Moreover, some physiological effects of cigarette smoking among

first timers include a feeling of burning in the throat and lungs,

and others tend to vomit (Joseph, 2018). Other evident factors

also include gum and eye disease, yellowish teeth, an increased

risk for infections like pneumonia, a greater risk to diabetes,

weaker bones, skin problems like psoriasis (a type of rash),

wrinkled skin and ulcers. Sooner, smoking will then lead to more

serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and lung,

throat, stomach and bladder cancer. Aside from these long-term

problems, smoking affects the body quickly as it results to bad

breath, bad smell of body and hair, greater risk of injury and

longer healing time for wounds and swelling, and furthermore, to

a lower immune system.

Moreover, the National Jewish Health(2019) identifies

overlapping consequences of smoking from the aforementioned,

classifying them into two such as the short term risks like stained

teeth, periodontal disease including tooth loss; chronic coughing,

increased phlegm, emphysema and bronchitis as well as being more

susceptible to influenza; mild airway obstruction; reduced lung

function and slowed growth of lung function, shortness of breath

and phlegm, a resting heart rate that is two to three beats per

minute faster than nonsmokers; hearing loss, vision problems and

increased headaches, bad breath and reduced sense of smell; homes,

cars and clothes smell of smoke.

On the other hand, the long term includes increased risk for

heart and chronic lung disease and other cancers which is

comparable with the analysis of the aforementioned study.

 Likewise, several researchers also argue that secondhand

smoking can also pose certain effects to children and adults in

several ways. Lukowski (2015) directly argued that secondhand

smoke exposure causes sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), which

is the leading cause of death in infants after one month of age.

Additionally, children exposed to SHS obtain more acute

respiratory infections, ear problems, and more frequent and severe

asthma attacks. Annually, among children living in the U.S., SHS

exposure causes nearly 2 million cases of ear infections, 150,000-

300,000 new cases of bronchitis and pneumonia, 8,000 to 26,000 new

cases of asthma. Also, because children’s lungs are not fully

developed, SHS smoke exposure causes respiratory symptoms and

slows their lung growth. Abruptly, children exposed to secondhand

smoke appear to have more respiratory problems and worse lung

function as they grow into adults.

Consequently, passive smokers increase their heart disease by

25-30% and their lung cancer by 20-30% in the meantime. It is

likewise recorded in the United States that 22,700 to 69,600

premature deaths occur annually from heart diseases that are

relevant to passive smoking. This type of smoking also poses 3,000

lung cancer deaths each year in the same place.

Concisely, it is never late to stop especially for teenagers.

Robinson and Smith (2019) formulated a START plan on how to

gradually stop smoking which corresponds to S=Set a quit date; T

= Tell family, friends, and co-workers that you plan to quit; A =

Anticipate and plan for the challenges you’ll face while quitting;

R = Remove cigarettes and other tobacco products from your home,

car, and work; and T = Talk to your doctor about getting help to

quit.

On the other hand, WebMD (2005) provided several tips on how to

stay on track on quitting as it is relatively hard. First, you

must know your triggers and should avoid them early on. You should

alternatively provide diverting ways on how to cope, for some

instance, to stress like eating ice cream but not too much, if

possible. You must then be aware that the first few days are the

toughest. You will long for the smell and taste it has once let

you feel. Next, you must not give in to your cravings. “Every time

you don't smoke when you have a craving, your chances of quitting

go up. Change your habits -- replace the urge to have a cigarette

in your mouth or hands with something else, like chewing gum or

playing a game on your phone.” You can also try a new hobby with

friends who don't smoke. Lastly, have a positive regard and reward

yourself. Set in your mind that this is not easy, but for your

love ones and for yourself as well, you can do it.

Furthermore, Medical News Today (2019) classified setting a

specific quit day and sticking to it as an effective way of

stopping however, nicotine dependency is really hard and only 6%

of non-medicinal therapies succeed so the recommended plan is to

seek advice from a health professional.

 Content and Result

In accordance to the study, the following statements are the

non-verbatim statements of the respective respondents:

Cristy Ann Bryant, 17, “…The cough stops but will eventually

come back. The only reason why I smoke is to reduce stress…

because of family, academic and love problems. All members of my

family are smokers as well.”

Maricor Casupanan, 17, “… I eventually stopped but came back

just last year due to the influence of my friends. I have felt

no effects so far but I do feel softened and my bones feel weak

sometimes? I would like to stop as well since I have an asthma

and my family doesn’t know a thing about this habit of mine. I

only smoke when I’m at school. Of course, outside. But within

the vicinity. None of my family are smokers as well. I really

want to quit but it’s just so hard to stop especially when I am

in front of my friends.”

Joseph Carreon, 16, “I have started since I was in grade 9.

The number one factor of this addiction is my peers. I noticed

as well that I’ve been constantly searching for cigarette every

time.”

Avelino Simbulan, 17, “I have been smoking since 8th grade

because I have always wanted to be in and not to be an outcast.

I also want to look cool. I noticed as well that whenever I

smoke, I feel more energetic and alive, if you know what I mean.

Quitting? I am not really sure.”

Other respondents that gave their name include Roldan Torres,

17, Kyle Del Rosario, 16, and Angelbert David, 16. Not all

respondents are willing to give their name, although given a

confidentiality agreement, but based on our observations, their

verbal answers have the same thoughts in general with the

aforementioned respondents, although differing in minor details.

All of the respondents were guided with respect accordingly.

Their answers were also ensured to be confidential and only

limited for this study purposes.

 Conceptual Framework of the Study

As emphasized by Grant and Osanloo (2014), “Without a

theoretical framework, the structure and vision for a study is

unclear, much like a house that cannot be constructed without a

blueprint. By contrast, a research plan that contains a

theoretical framework allows the dissertation study to be strong

and structured with an organized flow from one chapter to the

next.”

The researchers sought to determine the answers among the

following questions: 1. Why do ACNHS teenage students smoke?

2.What are the implications of cigarette smoking

multiperspectively? 3.What are some relative tips to adhere to

quit smoking? 4. What are the relative misconceptions of the

ACNHS SHS smokers towards cigarette smoking?

Below is a conceptual paradigm to further illustrate the

research problems:
 Analysis

Upon garnering relevant data, the researchers have found out

certain misconceptions and misleading information about teenage

cigarette smoking that were present in the statements of the

respondents.

Through scrutinizing critically, it was analyzed that some

smokers stick to the idea that quitting can never be a choice

and a sudden quit cannot be effective through the statements of

Bryon Russel Hernandez, “…if I have the chance and I can, I will

quit…” and Cybrelloyd Antonio, 17, said “…it can’t be undone

that easily. Once you started, there’s no turning back…”

However, through further research, it has been found out that

stopping smoking abruptly can be much effective than a gradual

withdrawal. Lindson-Hawley N, Banting M, West R, et al. (2016)

stated and concluded in their study that “Quitting smoking

abruptly is more likely to lead to lasting abstinence than

cutting down first, even for smokers who initially prefer to

quit by gradual reduction.” Additionally, the results indicated

that “At 4 weeks, 39.2% (95% CI, 34.0% to 44.4%) of the

participants in the gradual-cessation group were abstinent

compared with 49.0% (CI, 43.8% to 54.2%) in the abrupt-cessation

group (relative risk, 0.80 [CI, 0.66 to 0.93]). At 6 months,

15.5% (CI, 12.0% to 19.7%) of the participants in the gradual-

cessation group were abstinent compared with 22.0% (CI, 18.0% to

26.6%) in the abrupt-cessation group (relative risk, 0.71 [CI,

0.46 to 0.91]). Participants who preferred gradual cessation

were significantly less likely to be abstinent at 4 weeks than

those who preferred abrupt cessation (38.3% vs 52.2%; P =

0.007).”

Additionally, Avelino Simbulan’s statement of wanting to look

cool and handsome is an addition to the misconception to the

fallacies of cigarette smoking. In fact, a research by Sewards

(2013) stated smoking generally DO NOT make you look cool. While

it is subjectively viewed as such, smoking relatively makes your

skin saggy, wrinkled, turn your teeth yellowish and have

receding gums, and lusterless hair which is relatively different

compared to nonsmokers.

Relatively, the statement of Vince Torres which is “…quitting

today will just make my condition worse in the latter periods.”

On the contrary and without regarding the deductions of smoking

before age 35 is safe and healthy, rather, the research of

Ostbye (2004) points out that quitting 15years earlier than the

age of 50 can regain the two years of health lost than quitting

on the latter terms.

 Conclusion

Subject to the analysis of the study, the main reason really,

thus, to continuous cigarette smoking among teenagers is peer

pressure. Once their friend influenced them, they seem to not be

able to hold back their wants. Other factors that influence the

subjects to smoke are stress relevant to many underlying

variables, to show off, basically traditionally as it may seem,

and many more.

Cigarette smoking has ultimately adverse effects not just on

the smokers’ side but also to those nonsmokers who inhale the

smoke resulting to a, in a way, worsened situation for passive

ones.

Concisely, quitting today is never too late. There are certain

measures which can be of great help to you. There will be

instances that it will be hard but sooner or later, things will

come to its final destination-to a healthier lifestyle.

To conclude in general, a lot of misleading data has been

bothering a lot of teenagers in the said setting which greatly

influences the decision to make when quitting. However, this

research has been done to clarify a lot of misconceptions

regarding the subject matter.

 Recommendations

It is suggested that for future researchers and other

developments in the making, certain issues need to be clarified

and further studied. Based on the analysis of the content and

results of the study and physically finding some problems, the

following recommendations are provided for the higher

authorities, students, and those concerned:

1. A quantitative study of the perceptions of teenagers to

smoking within a larger sample

2. The research itself needs to be further investigated and

analyzed

3. Build an educational center for smokers for further

clarifications

4. Advocate quitting to cigarette smoking

5. Total smoking ban law

 Appendices

1.Questions

1) How old are you?

2) Since when did you start smoking?

3) What influenced you to smoke?

4) Why do you think minors like you engage to smoking habits?

5) What are its evident effects towards your body?

6) What do you think smoking can do towards your health?

7) If given the chance, will you quit? Why or why not?

2. Pictures
 References

1. Aguilar & Pampel. 15 June 2009. Changes in Youth

Smoking, 1976–2002: A Time-Series Analysis. US

National Library of Medicine.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2696267/

2. Anjum et al. 15 March 2016. Reasons for smoking among

the teenagers of age 14–17 years in Vikarabad town: A

cross-sectional study. Department of Public Health

Dentistry.

http://www.jiaphd.org/article.asp?issn=2319-

5932;year=2016;volume=14;issue=1;spage=80;epage=83;aul

ast=Anjum

3. Azad, Hossain, & Parveen. January 2011. Impacts of

Smoking Habit by Young Generation in Our Society. The

AIUB Journal of Business & Economics (AJBE).

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/269819305_Imp

acts_of_Smoking_Habit_by_Young_Generation_in_Our_Socie

ty
4. Ben-Joseph. September 2019. Smoking. The Nemours

Foundation.

https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/smoking.html

5. Hacker. 26 November 2019. National Center for Chronic

Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP).

https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/tobacco_

industry/reporting/terms/index.html

6. Kirchheimer. (8 June 2004). Quit Smoking Before Age 35

to Regain Health. WebMD LLC.
https://www.webmd.com/smoking-
cessation/news/20040608/quit-smoking-before-age-35-to-
regain-health#1

7. Lindson-Hawley N, Banting M, West R, et al. (25 March

2016). Gradual Versus Abrupt Smoking Cessation: A
Randomized, Controlled Noninferiority Trial. Anals of
Internal Medicine. https://annals.org/aim/article-
abstract/2501853/gradual-versus-abrupt-smoking-
cessation-randomized-controlled-noninferiority-trial
 8. Nichols. 18 September 2017. Five Ways to Quit Smoking.

Healthline Media UK Ltd.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319460.php#1

9. Renard, Stephen. 1 November 2004. Cigarette Smoke in

Research. American Thoracic Society.

https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/full/10.1165/rmb.F28

10. Robinson & Smith. October 2019. How to Quit Smoking.

HelpGuideorg International.

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/addictions/how-to-

quit-smoking.html

11. Saha et al. 2007. Cigarette smoke and adverse health

effects: An overview of research trends and future

needs. International College of Angiology, Inc

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2733016/

12. Sewards. (18 December 2013). Quitting smoking – why it

makes you more beautiful. National Magazine Company
Ltd. https://www.netdoctor.co.uk/healthy-
 living/a10552/quitting-smoking-8211-why-it-makes-you-
more-beautiful/

13. Ghorbani et al. 17 December 2014. Cigarette Smoking

Behavior and the Related Factors Among the Students of
Mashhad University of Medical Sciences in
Iran.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC43413
59/

14. Lien. 5 May 2016. Smoking, Mental Health and

Addiction: A Review of the Literature. Elyns Publishing

Group.

http://www.elynsgroup.com/journal/article/smoking-

mental-health-and-addiction-a-review-of-the-literature

15. Goldfarb, Leonard & Suranovic. 10 September 2012.

Related Literature on Cigarette Smoking. Bartleby.com.

https://www.bartleby.com/essay/Related-Literature-on-

Cigarette-Smoking-F3Y5KJYEKRZYS
 Peer Evaluation

by Bognot, Rennhil Christian C.

Cabingan, Rochelle 100/100

She contributed well and did everything she can for the study.

Cruz, Shin 100/100

She was one of the interviewers and was assigned to take the

pictures for the appendices.

Mantes, Kirth Ariston G. 100/100

He was one of the interviewers as well and was one of those who

suggested the topic to be as it is.

Romero, Angelica Joyce Q. 100/100

She was also one of the interviewers and gave in a lot of effort

for the review of related studies and literature.

 Peer Evaluation

by Cabingan, Rochelle

Bognot, Christian Rennhil C. 100/100

Even though he literally have no background in research studies,

he did exerted a lot of effort for the study so that he can as

well learn which makes him more of those who’s known to excel in

this kind of field.

Cruz, Shin 99/100

She contributed a lot for the study. The only reason there was a

deduction of a point is that after finishing the task assigned

to her, she never asked for an update which was quite an

offending thing. However, I can understand reasons. It’s just

that I want them to pay more attention as this iss the final

grade we will have and the scholarship of two people is at risk

here.

Mantes, Kirth Ariston G. 99/100

He has done a lot of things for the study like thinking how the

topic is going to be and doing the interviews. However, same

with Ate Shin, he didn’t asked for an update for the study.
Romero, Angelica Joyce Q. 100/100

She was the one assigned for the review of related studies and

literature and did her job well. She was also constant on asking

for an update about the study and did the online interview even

if it’s late in the night already.

 Peer Evaluation

by Cruz, Shin B.

Bognot, Rennhil Christiano C.

Although a newbie, he was able to contribute well in the study

and his jolly personality makes the group have fun during stress

hours.

Cabingan, Rochelle 100/100

She was the one who compiled all the tasks that were assigned to

us and did the editing as she volunteered too.

Mantes, Kirth Ariston G. 100/100

He gave in a lot of effort and courage during the interviews and

provided a camera for the documentary pictures.

Romero, Angelica Joyce Q. 100/100

She was the one assigned to do the articles for the review of

related literature and studies and was able to do her job well

done.
 Peer Evaluation

by Mantes, Ariston Kirth G.

Bognot, Rennhil Christian C. 100/100

Even if he has literally no background in this kind of thing, he

was able to do the assigned tasks to him well.

Cabingan, Rochelle 100/100

She did her job well as the editor of our research. She checked

the grammar and construction of the study and then compiled all

the given assignments to us.

Cruz, Shin 100/100

She was responsible for the documentary as well as the house for

the get together when we need to meet up for our study.

Romero, Angelica Joyce Q. 100/100

She was also one of the interviewers and did a great job

polishing the review of related studies and literature.

 Peer Evaluation

by Romero, Angelica Joyce G.

Bognot, Rennhil Christian C. 95/100

Shows concern to the research even if he has no background doing

this. He contributed greatly even though he wasn’t able to

attend when we conducted the interview because he has a work.

Cabingan, Rochelle 100/100

Although she wasn’t able to attend the interview as she has no

money and is sick during the time, she has the greatest

contribution in our research.

Cruz, Shin 90/100

She is one of the interviewers and contributed for the research

as well as the documentations.

Mantes, Kirth Ariston 90/100

He is one of the interviewers and did some of the documentary

parts and also contributed parts of our research.