Smokeless Tobacco in Uganda: Perceptions among Tobacco Control Stakeholders.

Denis Male,Hafsa Lukwata,Ann Mcneill,Shirley Kansabe,Linda Bauld,Alexander Rubanga,Kamran Siddiqi,Fiona Dobbie

doi:10.3390/ijerph19063398

Abstract

The use and sale of smokeless tobacco (SLT) is prohibited in Uganda under the Tobacco Control Act (TCA), 2015. Nonetheless, SLT products remain available, and there are limited and inconsistent data on SLT users. Additionally, the perceptions of tobacco control stakeholders on SLT are unknown, making it difficult to determine barriers to enforcing the ban. This study examined perceptions of tobacco control stakeholders regarding SLT in Uganda. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with stakeholders who were purposively selected from ministries, semi-autonomous government agencies and Civil Society Organizations. Interviews explored knowledge, attitudes, perceptions of SLT appeal, and user demographics. Data were analysed using Nvivo V.12 software. Participants demonstrated a general lack of awareness of SLT product types and the extent of their use. They believed SLT use was increasing among females and minors and was as harmful to health and the economy as smoking. SLT products were thought to be cheaper than cigarettes and to appeal to minors. Discreet use was thought to help users overcome the cultural aversion towards tobacco use among women and youth in Uganda. There is an urgent need to strengthen the implementation of the SLT ban whilst also increasing efforts to reduce tobacco smoking.

Highlights

Introduction published maps and institutional affilSmokeless tobacco (SLT) products contain toxicants that pose significant health risks to users [1]
These centered on four key areas: smokeless tobacco (SLT) awareness and extent of use; perceptions of SLT harm; strategies used to promote SLT and target consumers; and considerations regarding the appeal of SLT
Products were as harmful as smoked tobacco, which could result in less strenuous efforts to regulate smoked tobacco products

Summary

Introduction

Smokeless tobacco (SLT) products contain toxicants that pose significant health risks to users [1]. SLT covers a heterogenous range of products that have no proven safe level, which means that any consumption is harmful to health, albeit lower in comparison with combustible cigarettes [1,2]. The 2015 Uganda Tobacco Control Act (TCA) comprehensively banned the use of and trade in SLT. As part of the implementation mechanism, the law authorized environmental inspectors, customs, standards, public health officers, and any person whose function is to keep law and order, to enforce the TCA. The law provides for the Minister of Health to appoint authorized persons or groups including members of Civil Society Organizations to enforce the Act. Authorized iations

Objectives

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion