BACKGROUND: In 2021, an estimated 70 million adults in Indonesia used tobacco, mostly male initiating by age 19. The 2023 National Health Survey reported a smoking prevalence of 14.3% among boys ages 10–18. This study examined cigarette and e-cigarette use, as well as quit intentions and attempts, among teenage boys in Jakarta, the capital city of the country.
METHODS: A school-based survey was conducted from September–October 2024 among 2771 male students (ages 12–19, grades 7–12) from 82 schools in Jakarta’s five administrative regions. Probability proportional sampling was used, stratified by region, school type, and grade. Participants completed a web-based self-administered survey on electronic devices in a group setting facilitated by data collectors.
RESULTS: 12% of respondents currently smoked, with the highest prevalence among vocational school students (27%). Of those who reported ever smoking (39%), the average initiation age was 13.2 (SD=2.3), and most obtained their first cigarettes from friends (68%). 66% of individuals who currently smoked had attempted to quit in the past six months. Reasons for not intending to quit included seeking relaxation (68%), believing that smoking is not as harmful as claimed (34%), and previous failed attempts (33%). Barriers to quitting reported by individuals who had ever smoked included peer influence (32%) and limited access to cessation resources (27%). E-cigarette use was prevalent: 39% had ever tried e-cigarettes, and 24% used them in the past 30 days. Among those who had never smoked (61%), 18% had tried e-cigarettes.
CONCLUSIONS: Findings reveal concerning prevalences of nicotine and tobacco product use, highlighting the need for cessation efforts tailored to youth in Indonesia, addressing peer influence, misconceptions about smoking risks, and access to cessation resources. Routine monitoring of emerging nicotine products is essential to inform targeted public health strategies to ensure cessation initiatives remain relevant in a changing product landscape.