Abstract
The aim of this study was reveal knowledge, attitudes and behaviours related to Maraspowder (smokeless tobacco) of males tudentsstudying at a high school and staying in a dormitory in Kahramanmaraş, Turkey. The study included 121 male students studying at a high school and staying in dormitory. Data were collected through a questionnaire composed of questions aboutsocio-demographic characteristics, features of tobacco use and knowledge of harmful effects of Maras powder. There were ten questions about harmful effects of Maras powder and each correct answer to these questions was scored as one point and the total scoreto be obtained was 10.The mean age of the students was 17.01±1.35 years (min:14 and max:20). Of all the students, 44 (36.4%) were cigarette smokers, 8 (6.6%) were ex-smokers and 69 (57.0%) never smoked. Ten students (6.6%) were Maras powder users and 111 students (91.7%) never used Maras powder. The mean score for knowledge of harmful effects of Maras powder was 3.00±2.90 for the Maras powder users and 7.17±2.26 in the non-users. The Maras powder users had significantly lower knowledge scores than the non-users did (p=0.000). The mean knowledge scores did not differ between the cigarette smokers and the non-smokers (p=0.084).Of all the students, 106 (%87.6) expressed that Maras powder had harmful effects on health.The study revealed that the male high school students staying in a dormitory frequently smoked and used Maras powder and did not know much about the harmful effects of Mars powder. It is concluded that it is essential to inform young people about health risks of Maras powder through the media, educational programs and conferences.
Published Version
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