Public Health of Indonesia
Vol. 12 No. 2 (2026): April - June

Effectiveness of a Social Media–Based Electronic Cigarette Prevention Program among Vocational Education Students in Surat Thani Province, Thailand: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Sudarat Damchuea (Suratthani Rajabhat University)
Thinyada Laenphet (Suratthani Rajabhat University)
Kanokwan Khamnan (Suratthani Rajabhat University)
Nipaporn Nobnorb (Suratthani Rajabhat University)
Isaree Padphai (Praboromarajchanok Institute Khon Kaen)



Article Info

Publish Date
18 Jun 2026

Abstract

Background: E-cigarette use among vocational students has increased in Thailand, highlighting the need for effective prevention strategies. This study developed a social media–based e-cigarette prevention program grounded in Social Support Theory to promote knowledge and self-protective behaviors among vocational education students in Surat Thani Province. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a social media–based e-cigarette prevention program among vocational students between experimental and control groups. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted among vocational education students in Surat Thani Province using multi-stage sampling. Participants were assigned at the institutional level to either an experimental group (n = 44), which received a 12-week social media–based prevention program, or a control group (n = 44), which continued usual institutional activities. Data were collected using validated questionnaires assessing knowledge, attitudes, perceived social support, and self-protective behaviors related to e-cigarette use. Independent t-tests and paired t-tests were used to analyze differences between and within groups. Results: After the intervention, the experimental group demonstrated significantly higher knowledge scores than the control group (Mean difference = 3.64, p < 0.001) and significantly greater self-protective behaviors (Mean difference = 1.31, p < 0.001). No statistically significant changes were observed in attitudes or perceived social support in either group. Conclusion: The social media–based prevention program was effective in improving knowledge and self-protective behaviors related to e-cigarette use among vocational students. However, attitudes and perceived social support did not significantly change. These findings suggest that social media may serve as a complementary tool for prevention-related educational efforts among vocational students.  

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Journal Info

Abbrev

PHI

Publisher

Subject

Public Health

Description

Public Health of Indonesia is an International, peer-reviewed, and open access journal emphasizing on original research findings that are relevant for developing country perspectives including Indonesia. The journal considers publication of articles as original article, review article, short ...