Rising use of shisha among students in Tanzania sparks concern

Shisha smoking, also known as hookah or waterpipe smoking, has gained increasing popularity among university students in Tanzania.

This trend is particularly noticeable during weekends and at music festivals, where students gather to enjoy the social experience that shisha provides.

While many view shisha as a harmless recreational activity, the reality, according to health experts, is that it poses significant health risks.

University life is not only about academic pursuits; it also involves social activities that provide a much-needed break from the pressures of studying.

Shisha smoking has emerged as a popular choice for students looking to relax and socialise with friends. It is common to see groups of students in clubs and entertainment venues enjoying shisha as part of their weekend rituals.

Ali Kibore, a third-year student at the University of Dar es Salaam, shares his perspective. “Shisha is something we do to unwind. After a long week of classes and assignments, it’s nice to chill with friends and enjoy the different flavours. It has become a part of our weekend routine.”

Female students are also participating in shisha smoking, often influenced by peer pressure. Jovina Gilbert, a second-year student at Ardhi University, for example, started smoking shisha as a result of her friend’s influence.

“I started smoking shisha when I joined university because all my friends were doing it. It’s fun, and it's a way to socialise and meet new people. We usually do it in clubs or at music events where everyone is in a relaxed mood,” Jovina shares.

According to Joseph Mwinjuma, a student at the College of Business Education, shisha is not just about smoking. It’s about the social experience. “It’s something we look forward to when we go out on weekends. It’s more about being with friends and having a good time.”

Celine Mbaraka, another student from Ardhi University, says, “For us, shisha is a way to enjoy ourselves. The flavours are interesting, and it’s a nice break from the usual routine. It’s not something we do every day, just on special occasions.”

Maureen Eugene, a student at the Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology, thinks shisha is popular because it’s trendy. She says everyone’s doing it and that it’s a social thing. She knows there are risks but says students don’t think about the risks when they are having fun.

While students may view shisha smoking as a harmless pastime, lecturers and university officials are increasingly concerned about its impact on academic performance and student well-being.

The addictive nature of nicotine in shisha tobacco can, according to experts, lead to more frequent use, affecting students' focus and productivity.

A doctor at the Bugando Medical Centre in Mwanza Region who is also a psychology lecturer, Dr Greyson Masatu, agrees the increasing use of shisha among students is alarming.

Dr Masatu says many students don’t realise how shisha affects their cognitive abilities and concentration. He notes that regular nicotine use can lead to dependency, which negatively impacts students’ academic performance.

Dr Masatu highlights the importance of education and awareness, saying that universities should implement comprehensive educational programmes to inform students about the risks associated with shisha smoking.

He says that awareness campaigns can help change perceptions and encourage healthier choices. According to him, it is crucial to educate young people about these risks because many students underestimate the harm, perceiving shisha as a social activity rather than a health risk.

“Shisha smoking is not only a health concern but also a significant social issue. It’s increasingly becoming the norm among students, which is worrying. We need to address the underlying reasons why students are turning to these activities,” says Dr Masatu.

He believes collaboration between universities, health organisations, and government agencies can facilitate research and data collection on shisha use among students. He says the information can inform policy decisions and the development of targeted interventions.

Interviewed lecturers agree that universities should take a proactive approach to curb this trend.

Dr Levina Magori, a lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam, advocates for fostering a supportive environment where students can freely discuss substance use and access help when needed. She recommends that universities provide counselling services and establish peer support groups to guide students towards healthier choices.

“Encouraging students to participate in alternative recreational activities can help reduce the appeal of shisha smoking. Universities can organise sports events, cultural activities, and social clubs that promote healthy lifestyles. We should encourage students to engage in healthier recreational activities,” she advises.

With similar sentiments, Eliakim Masanja, a lecturer at DIT, proposes stricter regulations. He says implementing stricter regulations on the availability and use of shisha in student areas is essential.

“There should be policies in place to limit the availability of shisha on campus and in student areas. Universities have a responsibility to ensure the well-being of their students, and regulating such activities is part of that responsibility,” he shares.

The health risks associated with shisha smoking are significant and often underestimated by users. Contrary to popular belief, shisha is not a safer alternative to cigarette smoking.

According to Dr Masatu, a one-hour session of shisha smoking can expose users to the same amount of toxins as smoking 250 cigarettes. This includes high levels of carbon monoxide, heavy metals, and carcinogens, which are harmful to health.

Dr Masatu further explains the potential health consequences. “Shisha smoking increases the risk of respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and various forms of cancer.”

He says the water in the pipe does not filter out harmful substances and that the flavoured tobacco can contain additional chemicals that are detrimental to health.