<![CDATA[Background: The prevalence of smoking among adolescents in Indonesia continues to increase, extending even to students at the elementary and junior high school levels. Adolescence is a crucial phase that is also vulnerable to the formation of long-term smoking behavior. One of the factors implicated in this trend is exposure to cigarette advertising disseminated through various channels, including social media platforms and outdoor promotional media. Objective: This study aimed to examine the association between exposure to cigarette advertisements and smoking behavior among elementary and junior high school students in Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta. Methods: A quantitative study with an observational analytical design and a cross-sectional approach was conducted. A total of 182 students were recruited using a cluster sampling technique. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire adapted from previously validated instruments. Univariate and bivariate analyses were performed, with the chi-square test applied to assess the relationship between advertisement exposure and smoking behavior. Results: Most respondents reported a moderate level of exposure to cigarette advertising (67.0%). The results of the chi-square analysis indicated a statistically significant association between exposure to cigarette advertisements and smoking behavior (p = 0.044; p < 0.05). Conclusion: The findings demonstrate a significant relationship between exposure to cigarette advertising and smoking behavior among elementary and junior high school students in Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta. These results underscore the need to strengthen regulations on cigarette advertising, particularly in school settings and public spaces, and highlight the importance of early health education interventions to prevent smoking initiation among young adolescents.]]>
