Snuff use: Motivations, tips to quit, and readiness to quit in a South African township

Regardless of how tobacco products are consumed, they increase the risk of morbidity and mortality for users. This study aims to determine the motivations for using snuff, assess awareness of tips to quit, and determine readiness to quit snuff use in patients at a clinic in a Pretoria township, in South Africa.

A descriptive cross-sectional survey using a piloted, structured, and self-administered questionnaire was given to patients at Ramotse clinic.

The mean age of the 402 participants was 49.0 years, with a range of 18-104 years. The majority (83.8%) of the participants were females. Of the participants, 26.6% were 60 years of age or older, 59.7% were unemployed, 57.5% were married, and 41.5% had finished primary school. Socio-cultural practices and behaviour were mentioned by 38.1% as the main reason for snuff usage, while 77.2% were uninformed about tips for quitting snuff, and 63.25% were unwilling to give up snuff.

The study found that unemployed, married, mostly female, 40 years of age or older, and had a basic education match with the profile of participants. Socio-cultural practices and behaviour and health benefits influenced the habit. Most participants were unaware of tips to quit habits and unprepared to do so.

Healthcare professionals need to be aware of the health hazards that their patients may face, make sure they are equipped to address them and offer community-saving tips for improvement.