Social cognitive determinants of smoking among secondary school adolescents in Ilala district

This study explored the social cognitive determinants of smoking among secondary school adolescents in Ilala district, Dar es Salaam region. Specifically, the study sought to explore the relationship between smoking, self-esteem, and self-efficacy. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 400 secondary school adolescents, aged between 12 and 22. The findings revealed that there was significant strong positive association between smoking and SEF [r = .80 p˂.01]. Findings further revealed that the major motive that drives adolescents to smoke tobacco was experimentation. Other motives include, the desire to reduce frustration, pleasure, persuaded to smoke, a way of solving problem, and the habit of being sent to light up cigarette. On the other hand it was revealed that smoking cigarette as a way of keeping busy had little influence on secondary schools adolescents in Ilala district in this regard. Furthermore, the study found that the influence of close friends and brothers made a strong contribution to secondary school adolescents in Ilala district to smoke tobacco. Significant others like sister, mother and father were found to have little influence on secondary schools adolescents in the study area in this regards. Based on the findings of this study it is recommended that self-efficacy, self-esteem, motives, and the influence of significant others, must be taken seriously when considering intervention programs to preventing smoking which also has implication for guidance and counseling at school and in the homes.