Knowledge, attitudes and behaviour towards snus by its users in Finland, Norway and Sweden

Abstract: This study sets out to identify the knowledge base of snus users from Finland, Norway and Sweden on using snus and its effect on health, and also explores their existing attitudes and behaviour towards snus use. The purpose of the study is to broaden views on the knowledge base of snus users, their attitudes towards use of snus and to understand their snus behaviour.  This research used the quantitative method. The data was collected by an online questionnaire in two periods. The first data collection period was carried out between 13th of April and 22nd of April and the another one from the 29th of April to 8th of May. Participants were made up from snus users in Finland, Norway and Sweden. Virtual snowball sampling method helped to collect data. Quantitative analysis and SPSS analyzing programme were used in the current research. The analysis was descriptive in establishing existing trends of the knowledge base, attitudes and behaviour by snus users from Finland, Norway and Sweden.   The research consisted of 142 participants with an age range from 15 to 60 years old. The survey included both genders. The results indicated that the participants’ knowledge about health effects of snus were relatively high. Negative health effects of snus did not impact on the use of snus, according to the attitude of majority of the participants. The research revealed that use of snus was a widespread popular lifestyle in Norway, Finland and Sweden. Almost 88 % of the research participants have six or more friends who use snus as well.   The findings of this study illustrate that snus use is an addictive habit. The attitude towards the use of snus and behaviour among snus users in Finland, Norway and Sweden are careless regarding to health. Snus users’ knowledge, attitude and behaviour are inconsistent, and there is uncertainty about the way snus influences the Nordic people’s well-being and health. The results of this study show that the health promotion, education and future research are needed to give precise information.