DISSERTATION WORK MSAFIRI KABULWA.pdf

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factors that may inhibit a person to start dipping tobacco snuff, chewing tobacco and smoking
cigarettes.
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 who
participated in this study had adequate level of knowledge on the detrimental effects of tobacco
use on systemic and oral health. Factors that were perceived by majority of students as
important in promoting students to start dipping tobacco snuff, chewing tobacco and smoking
cigarettes 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 students to start dipping, chewing and smoking tobacco
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”
Recommendations: Although the prevalence of tobacco use appears to be low there is need for
intervention among secondary school students so as to prevent possible continued trend of
tobacco use. There should be a call for religious leaders, parents, school teachers to be involved
in discouraging use of tobacco among secondary school students. Parents/guardians and other
family members should not ask children light, buy cigarettes for them or smoke in front of
them. Health education should be taught to raise awareness on detrimental effects of tobacco
use among secondary school students.