Effectiveness of Mint Candy Use in Reducing Smoking Behavior Among Adolescents: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Smoking behavior among adolescents remains a significant public health concern and contributes to an increased risk of various chronic diseases later in life. Several interventions have been developed to help adolescents reduce their smoking habits; however, the use of mint candy as a non-pharmacological alternative has received limited attention in research, particularly among school-aged adolescent populations. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of mint candy in reducing smoking behavior among adolescents in Aceh Besar, Indonesia. This study employed a quasi-experimental design with an intervention group and a control group. A total of 70 adolescent smokers were selected using purposive sampling and assigned to either the intervention group (n = 35) or the control group (n = 35). The intervention group received 6-8 mint candies per day for two weeks, while the control group received no intervention. Smoking behavior was assessed using a smoking behavior questionnaire consisting of three items. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test and the Mann-Whitney U Test. The mean smoking behavior score in the intervention group decreased significantly from 7.97 ± 0.785 before the intervention to 2.97 ± 0.785 after the intervention (z = -5.916; p < 0.001). In the control group, the smoking behavior score decreased from 8.00 ± 0.767 to 7.06 ± 0.725 (z = -4.281; p < 0.001); however, the reduction was relatively small. Between-group analysis showed no significant difference at baseline (pre-test) (p = 1.000), whereas a significant difference was observed between the intervention and control groups at post-test (z = -7.317; p < 0.001). The use of mint candy was effective in reducing smoking behavior among adolescents. Mint candy may be considered a simple, low-cost, and easily implemented promotive and preventive intervention within school health programs to help reduce smoking behavior among adolescents.