Sobat KTR: A Peer Support Group Program To Increase Adolescents' Awareness of The Dangers of Smoking and Smoke-Free Areas
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.30994/jceh.v9i2.832Keywords:
Adolescent, Peer Support Group, Smoking Prevention, SOBAT KTR, Smoke-Free Area, Health PromotionAbstract
Adolescent smoking remains a significant public health challenge, with peer influence being one of the strongest determinants of smoking initiation and continuation. The SOBAT KTR (Sosial Berdaya Tanpa Asap Rokok) program was developed to empower adolescents through peer support in promoting smoke-free lifestyles and strengthening awareness of Smoke-Free Areas (SFA). This study aimed to describe the implementation of the SOBAT KTR program based on a Peer Support Group approach to improve adolescents’ awareness of the dangers of smoking and their commitment to supporting Smoke-Free Areas. A community-based descriptive evaluative design was conducted among 21 adolescents in RW 06, Klampis Ngasem, Surabaya. Participants were divided into five peer groups facilitated by students. Program activities included peer sharing, group discussions, experience exchange, and commitment building. Data were collected through structured observation, facilitator notes, group discussion outcomes, and participant commitments, and analyzed descriptively. Results: Participants actively identified peer influence, curiosity, and social acceptance as major factors contributing to smoking behavior. They proposed positive peer support strategies, including reminding friends about smoking hazards, encouraging healthy activities, motivating smoke-free lifestyles, and discouraging smoking behavior. The program also strengthened participants’ commitment to becoming peer role models and promoting Smoke-Free Areas within their schools and communities. The SOBAT KTR program successfully utilized peer support to enhance adolescents’ awareness of smoking prevention and foster positive social norms supporting smoke-free environments. This approach has strong potential as a sustainable community-based health promotion strategy for adolescent smoking prevention.
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