Cigarette smoking and school culture: An analysis of smoking at a high school according to different variables

Faculty of Education, Department of Mathematics and Science Education, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey

^a Corresponding author: cgercek@hacettepe.edu.tr

Abstract

This research aims to analyse the smoking status of students and teachers at a high school and their mental images in relation to cigarette smoking according to different variables. In this way, it will be possible to be informed of school culture formed about smoking. This is a descriptive research using the survey model. The research group was composed of 537 students attending a high school and 41 teachers. The research data were collected with a form. Data collected were analysed by means of descriptive statistics and Chi-square test. The findings obtained demonstrated that smoking had increased according to grade levels. Accordingly, boys smoked more than girls. 27% of the teachers were smokers. It was found that teachers as well as students had positive metaphors about smoking. Based on these conclusions, it may be stated that smoking has become a school culture in that school.