Özet:

Previous findings had reported that cigarette smoking can affect athletes’ physical fitness and decrease their performance. However the study on this topic is scarce in Malaysia sports setting. Therefore the objectives of this study were (a) to examine the percentage of cigarette smoking among Malaysian athletes; (b) to determine the factor contributed to the habits; and (c) to assess athletes understanding and awareness on adverse effect of the habits. Prevalence of cigarette smoking in adolescent athletes was 9.33%. Most athletes (48.20%) started to smoke between 13 to 15 years. Breath carbon monoxide reading for smoker athletes was 7.52 ppm. Peers, family members and coaches were reported as the highest contributing factors to smoking habit. ‘Lung Cancer’ was reported as the most common adverse effect of smoking however, ‘Wasting Money’ was the highest concern for athletes to stop smoking. Future studies should utilise a holistic approach intervention to increase the probability of successful cessation from smoking. Keywords: Smoking, Adolescent Athlete, Breath Carbon Monoxide, Prevalence, Malaysia.

Anahtar Kelimeler: