DISSERTATION WORK MSAFIRI KABULWA.pdf

46
10. CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of tobacco dipping (2.2%), chewing (4.4%) and smoking (4.4%) among
secondary school students in Dar es Salaam appear to be low. Majority of students had
adequate knowledge on the detrimental effects of tobacco dipping, chewing and smoking on
systemic and oral health. Majority of secondary school students perceived that their parents and
teachers would be annoyed if they discovered that they (students) were dipping, chewing and
smoking tobacco. Factors that were perceived by majority of students as important in
promoting secondary school students to start dipping, chewing and smoking tobacco were: ‘Not
knowing detrimental health effects caused by using tobacco’, ‘Trying or experimenting taste of
tobacco’ and ‘Influence of friends’. Factors that were perceived by majority of students as
inhibitors for secondary school students to start dipping, chewing and smoking tobacco use
were: “Knowing detrimental health effects caused by tobacco use”, “Good guidance from
parents and guardians”, “Religious teachings” and “Living in a society that dislikes tobacco
use”.