M.Tech. (Environmental Health) / Although evidence of the hazards of cigarette smoking has been in existence for many decades, millions of people around the world are still smoking, hundreds of thousands of teenagers take up smoking and the tobacco companies are allowed to continue promoting their products. To the annoyance of non-smokers, smoking is still allowed in many public places, such as restaurants and offices. This study serves, firstly, to provide an overview of the results of research on the dangers of smoking, nicotine addiction and passive smoking. Secondly, a self-completion questionnaire has been applied to a sample of students at eight technikons in South Africa. The questionnaire was designed to investigate the prevalence of smoking among the different population groups and genders to reveal some of the pattems of smoking of students, the factors influencing students' smoking status and to test students' beliefs, opinions and attitudes regarding smoking. The third objective of the study is to develop a theory on cigarette smoking and to propose anti-smoking measures at technikons. Researchers have produced conclusive proof that cigarette smoking is the cause of cancer, respiratory and heart disease and other diseases. Smoking maims and kills millions of people around the world annually and threatens the health of unborn babies and non-smokers, especially children. Tobacco companies apply the most sophisticated promotion techniques to persuade people to smoke and teenagers and certain other sectors' of the population are targeted by these activities. A study of nicotine addiction reveals that the need for this substance becomes as strong as any of man's basic physiological needs, such as those for food and water. This makes it very difficult, if not impossible, for many smokers to give up smoking. A multi-pronged strategy to combat smoking at education institutions is proposed, which includes health education and the banning of smoking on campuses.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:uj/uj:11399 |
| Date | 04 June 2014 |
| Creators | Oberholster, Leon Eduard |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Rights | University of Johannesburg |
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