Developing Youth's Skills in Preventing and Avoiding Dangers from Cigarettes among Primary School Students Anubantakfa School NakhonSawan Province according to Buddhism

Abstract

This research aimed to 1) organize activities that engage youth in anti-smoking campaigns and 2) evaluate the effectiveness of knowledge-based activities and skill development for preventing and avoiding the dangers of smoking among youth. This was an action research study. The research tools included a series of educational activities such as health hazard awareness sessions conducted by speakers from the Tak Fa District Public Health Office and a Buddhist-based activity called Dhamma to the Heart: Reducing Smoking Hazards, which utilized mindfulness and the Five Precepts as guiding principles, led by monk instructors. Additional activities included the "Bingo No Smoking" game, an interactive learning tool about the dangers of smoking and non-smoker protection laws. A satisfaction survey was conducted using an interactive evaluation method involving real-time questions and answers during the activities. The research findings revealed that 1) the activities involving youth participation in anti-smoking campaigns—particularly the Dhamma to the Heart activity and lectures on the dangers of smoking—helped participants understand the harms of tobacco and reduced their risk of smoking; and 2) the evaluation of knowledge and skill development activities indicated that 75% of participants demonstrated improved understanding and a shift in attitudes, effectively reducing smoking-related risk factors.