Examining Understanding of Consumer Knowledge Gaps on LPG Safety Practices in Dodoma City, Tanzania

Abstract

This study examined consumers’ knowledge of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) safety practices in Dodoma City, Tanzania. Guided by the Health Belief Model (HBM), a cross-sectional design was employed, and data were collected from 260 LPG users through structured questionnaires, complemented by interviews with key informants. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis using SPSS version 27 were used to analyse the data. Results showed that all three dimensions of knowledge proper usage (β = 0.547, p = 0.001), handling procedures (β = 0.273, p = 0.001), and safety protocols (β = 0.155, p = 0.002) had a significant and positive effect on LPG safety practices, with proper usage being the most influential. The findings suggest that practical, day-to-day knowledge exerts a stronger influence on consumer safety behaviour than formal awareness of protocols alone. The study concludes that enhancing consumer knowledge is critical for reducing household risks and improving public safety in Tanzania. It recommends that regulators, particularly the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA), intensify awareness programs, standardize vendor-led safety demonstrations, and enforce compliance with safety standards to strengthen LPG adoption and resilience.