Effective Tobacco Control Research Articles

Global, regional, and national cardiovascular disease burden attributable to smoking from 1990 to 2021: Findings from the GBD 2021 Study.

Smoking poses a serious threat to cardiovascular health. The aim of the study is to evaluate the global, regional, and national burden of smoking-attributable cardiovascular disease (CVD) and set priorities for future tobacco control. Data on deaths and years lived with disability (YLDs) for smoking-related CVD from 1990 to 2021, including age-standardized rates (ASRs), were sourced from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021. This study is a secondary descriptive analysis of the GBD 2021 data. We used the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) to reflect temporal trends in disease burden and conducted a sensitivity analysis using the average annual percentage change (AAPC) to corroborate the findings. We also analyzed the relationship between disease burden and the Sociodemographic Index (SDI). In 2021, smoking-related CVD caused 2.25 million deaths and 3.09 million YLDs globally, marking increases of 26.16% and 59.73% from 1990, respectively. However, from 1990 to 2021, the global age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) and age-standardized years lived with disability rate (ASYR) for smoking-related CVDs decreased, with EAPCs of -1.94 and -0.92, respectively. Between 1990 and 2021, Australasia and Tropical Latin America experienced the largest declines in ASMR and ASYR, with EAPCs of -5.54 and -2.63, respectively, while Lesotho and Mali had the largest increases, with EAPCs of 2.68 and 1.67, respectively. Throughout the period, the burden of smoking-related CVD was consistently higher in men. Moreover, the trend of decline in disease burden was slower in men compared to women (EAPC for ASMR: -1.78 for men vs -3.25 for women). In 2021, countries with higher SDI also had higher ASYR. Although the global burden of smoking-related CVD has declined over the past three decades, the challenge remains severe, particularly in less developed countries and regions. More proactive and effective tobacco control measures should be urgently implemented in countries where the burden of smoking-related CVD is severe.

Factors associated with shisha smoking: Results from a cross-sectional telephone-based survey among the general population adults in Nigeria.

In Nigeria, there is very limited evidence on factors that influence shisha smoking, and this hinders effective tobacco control policymaking. We, therefore, aimed to identify factors associated with shisha smoking among the general population adults in Nigeria. We conducted a telephone-based, cross-sectional survey between 28 July and 11 September 2022 in 12 states of Nigeria. Our outcome of interest was self-reported current shisha smoking status, and the independent variables included potential behavioral, biological, mental health, environmental, and social determinants of shisha smoking. We performed logistic regression analysis, with adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) as the measures of association. We surveyed 1278 individuals: 611 who currently smoked shisha and 667 who did not. The following increased the likelihood of being a person who currently smokes shisha: being a person who currently smokes cigarettes (AOR=5.54; 95% CI: 2.57-11.90) or consumes alcohol (AOR=3.46; 95% CI: 1.91-6.28); and having a family member (AOR=2.32; 95% CI: 1.23-4.40), or one (AOR=22.81; 95% CI: 9.99-52.06) or more (AOR=78.85; 95% CI: 22.50-276.33) close friends who smoke shisha. The following reduced the likelihood of being a person who currently smokes shisha: being older (AOR=0.92; 95% CI: 0.89-0.95) and screening positive for possible generalized anxiety disorder (AOR=0.60; 95% CI: 0.41-0.88). We found sex differences in the factors associated with shisha smoking, particularly on the effects of household wealth, employment status, having family members who smoke shisha, and mental health. Strategies to curb shisha smoking need to account for the associated biological, social and behavioral factors, including age, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, and having family members or close friends who smoke shisha. They should also account for sex differences, and differences that exist between shisha smoking behavior and the smoking of other tobacco products.

Temporal changes and correlates of tobacco and E-cigarettes use among school-going students in Albania: insights from global youth tobacco surveys (2015-2020).

Tobacco use often starts during adolescence, with many adults beginning before 21. This study investigated the patterns and factors associated with tobacco and e-cigarette use among school-aged adolescents in Albania. Data were analyzed from two Albania Global Youth Tobacco Surveys (GYTS) conducted in 2015 and 2020. Participants included 7th-10th grade students (ages 12-16) who completed the survey (n = 9985). Descriptive statistics depicted demographic characteristics, tobacco, and e-cigarette use across survey years. Logistic regression assessed temporal changes and the odds of use across independent variables, adjusting for age and sex. From 2015 to 2020, tobacco and e-cigarette use among students aged 13-15 increased from 12.86 to 14.49% and from 6.8 to 8.8%, respectively. Cigarette smoking declined from 8.4 to 4.3%, but the use of other tobacco products nearly doubled, from 6.4 to 12.3%. Higher odds of use were found among males, older students, and those with more pocket money. Environmental factors like family, peer, and media exposure to smoking increased the likelihood of use. Anti-tobacco messages had no significant impact, while advertising strongly influenced usage. Knowledge of tobacco harms and anti-smoking attitudes correlated with lower odds of use. Increased availability of cigarettes near schools was linked to higher odds of tobacco use. The study highlights gaps in anti-tobacco messaging and the strong influence of advertising, underscoring the need for targeted and effective tobacco control strategies in Albania.

Countering Tobacco Industry Interference: A Policy Brief on Strengthening the WHO FCTC Article 5.3 Adoption in India

Tobacco use in India contributes to over 1.35 million deaths annually, posing a major public health challenge. Tobacco industry interference (TII) is a significant barrier to effective tobacco control, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), such as India. This interference undermines public health efforts by manipulating policy implementation and enforcement. The adoption of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) Article 5.3 in India has made progress, with 23 states implementing the guidelines. However, enforcement gaps and persistent tobacco industry (TI) tactics continue to weaken tobacco control measures. Nefarious strategies, such as lobbying and misinformation, further complicate the effective execution of these policies. To effectively reduce tobacco use in India, stronger and enforceable policies are needed at both national and state levels. Strengthened legal frameworks, increased public awareness, and robust monitoring systems are critical to protect public health policies from TII. These steps are essential to safeguard public health and enhance the impact of tobacco control initiatives.

Smoking status and interventions among children and adolescents in China

Abstract. Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death globally. China is the Worlds large tobacco-producing and consuming country, and the burden of death and disease caused by tobacco use will continue to increase .The "Healthy China 2030" Planning Outline proposes to reduce the smoking rate of the population over the age of 15 to 20% by 2030. Taxation and price measures are recognized as the single most effective tobacco control policy measures. A variety of interventions are needed for adolescents, including China can carry out tobacco control according to the comprehensive tobacco control policy of WHO MPOWER (monitor,protect,offer,warm,enforce,raise),smoking ban in public places, cigarette sales to minors, prohibiting advertising promotion, raising the tobacco tax, adding health warnings to the cigarette packaging, use new media to expand coverage.

Non-Smoke Tobacco Consumption in India: A Cost-Benefit Analysis

This study evaluates the economic and social impacts of non-smoke tobacco consumption in India and compares them with the tax revenue generated by the government from this industry. Non-smoke tobacco products, such as chewing tobacco and pan masala, are associated with various health and environmental problems, such as oral cancer and littering. The study uses the concept of externalities to analyse the costs and benefits of non-smoke tobacco consumption for the society and the government. Based on available data and assumptions, the study estimates the expenditure on oral cancer treatment and cleanliness, and the revenue from direct and indirect taxes on non-smoke tobacco products. The study finds that the government collects more revenue than it spends on mitigating the negative externalities of non-smoke tobacco consumption, but the social costs are still significant. The study suggests that the government should implement more effective tobacco taxation and control policies to reduce the consumption and harm of non-smoke tobacco products.

Exploring In-School Adolescent Smoking Behaviors: A Comparative Study of Rural and Urban Contexts in Anambra, Nigeria

The use of tobacco among adolescents is a big public health issue in low- and middle-income countries of the world including Nigeria. The aim of this study was to compare prevalence and determinants of tobacco use among in-school adolescents’ resident in urban and rural secondary schools in Anambra State. A cross-sectional analytical design was observed using multi stage random sampling to sample 360 students from some selected schools. A pretested, semi structured questionnaire adapted from the Global School Health Survey (GSHS) was used to collect data. The data was analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics. Similar prevalence of tobacco use was found in both the urban (6.3%) and in the rural (6.5%) sites, without significance in either (p=1.000). Participation in protective factors including health education programs in which participants are educated on smoking dangers and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in particular was associated with non-smoking behavior significantly more in urban areas. On the other hand, being urban adolescents who reported tobacco use showed significantly association with risk factors such as poor school environment and bullying. Consequently, no difference in rates of tobacco use occur between urban and rural adolescents, despite differences in protective and risk factors. Recommendations aimed at strengthening health education, and improving school environments and reducing bullying are suggested to reduce adolescent smoking in these settings. Effective tobacco control of Nigerian adolescents requires targeting of public health interventions on the basis of the socio-cultural context.

How do industry and other actors undermine tobacco control policies post-adoption? A scoping review

Abstract Background Over recent decades, many countries have strengthened their tobacco control policies. To be effective, full implementation is needed. Tobacco industry interference is widely recognised as a key barrier to tobacco control progress and evidence-based models like the policy dystopia model (PDM) list industry strategies, focusing on those avoiding and undermining policy adoption. While prior research highlighted industry activities post-adoption, these have not been captured systematically. This review aimed to map the efforts of industry, front groups and other actors to undermine the implementation of policies, including marketing, packaging, smokefree and flavour measures. Methods We searched six literature databases, relevant bibliographies and grey literature, and consulted experts. We included articles describing one or more attempts to undermine adopted policies, including marketing, packaging, smokefree and flavour. The PDM served as starting point for coding; additional strategies were identified inductively. Strategies were charted against aims and policies. Results Several aims and strategies were identified which were similar across policies. Following policy adoption efforts to 1) overturn and 2) weaken measures, and 3) delay implementation continued. Legal strategies were utilised and there were attempts to influence stakeholders. In addition, tobacco industry and other actors sought to 4) undermine policy effectiveness by creating confusion, circumventing policies, and noncompliance, and 5) use implementation as an opportunity to enhance industry reputation. Conclusions Interference from tobacco industry and other actors threatens effective tobacco control policy implementation. The public health community must continue to monitor, expose and counter industry conduct after policy adoption. More research is needed to enhance our understanding of how industry interferes in policy implementation, and how this can be pre-empted and countered. Key messages • The interference from tobacco industry and other actors following policy adoption threatens effective tobacco control, and needs to be monitored, exposed and countered by the public health community. • Policymakers and civil servants need to be wary of efforts to undermine tobacco control policies and act to ensure effective policy implementation.

Smartphones: A Catalyst for Tobacco Control Training in India

The tobacco crisis confronting low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) requires scale-up of effective tobacco control programs, such as Tobacco Free Teachers-Tobacco Free Society (TFT-TFS). We previously demonstrated the efficacy of TFT-TFS in increasing tobacco use cessation among teachers and schools’ adoption of tobacco control policies in Bihar, India. To scale TFT-TFS, we are now pioneering a smartphone-based mobile learning strategy to train principals (or their designees) in Madhya Pradesh to implement and monitor TFT-TFS in schools. Research underscores the transformative potential of mobile learning: a flexible, scalable, and cost-effective alternative to in-person training methods. Our study is a unique opportunity to test a training approach that could have implications for wider and more efficient delivery of other public health programs. The strategic use of gamification and digital storytelling enhances the TFT-TFS mobile training app. Gamification mechanics—including points, leaderboards, and digital badging—foster a dynamic learning environment to enhance learning outcomes. This approach propels continuous participant engagement toward understanding and implementation of TFT-TFS’s six monthly themes and four program components. The TFT-TFS smartphone training program weaves in elements of Indian culture, notably the symbolic use of colors and kites. The Indian kite festival celebrates communal harmony through healthy competition. Similarly, the app employs the idea of school kites, which are divided into six blank segments corresponding to the TFT-TFS monthly themes. Participants navigate each module, engaging with animated videos, digital assessments, and interactive activities. Upon a principal’s successful completion of each monthly theme’s program components, the school’s kite receives a new color, unlocking the subsequent theme. The TFT-TFS smartphone training showcases a unique interactive mobile learning application that integrates gamification and tests how to scale up an effective tobacco control program in schools in India and other LMICs. The TFT-TFS smartphone-based training app may also have relevance to other public health-related training efforts in resource-constrained areas.

Comprehensive guide to tobacco control policy implementation

Background: Tobacco use remains one of the leading causes of preventable death and disease worldwide. Effective tobacco control policies are essential in mitigating these health risks. The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2003, provides a comprehensive framework for implementing evidence-based tobacco control measures globally. This project aims to develop and implement robust tobacco control policies to reduce tobacco consumption and its associated health risks. Methods and Materials: The project involved a comprehensive review of existing tobacco control policies, data collection on tobacco use and related health outcomes, and the development of a multi-sectoral task force. Key strategies included setting clear goals, stakeholder engagement, public awareness campaigns, and the drafting of legislative and policy documents. Implementation mechanisms such as enforcement and evaluation systems were also established to ensure compliance and measure the policy's impact. Results: The implementation of the tobacco control policies resulted in a significant reduction in smoking prevalence and exposure to secondhand smoke. Public awareness of the health risks associated with tobacco use increased, and there was enhanced support for smoking cessation services. The project also identified best practices and strategies that can be adopted by other regions to achieve similar outcomes. Conclusion: This project highlights the importance of comprehensive research, effective coordination, and well-planned implementation in developing and executing tobacco control policies. The findings and recommendations presented serve as a valuable resource for policymakers and public health professionals aiming to reduce smoking rates and protect public health. Continued collaboration and adaptation of these strategies are essential for sustaining the progress made in tobacco control.

Smokers' Characteristics Associated with Successful Smoking Cessation Undergoing Pharmacotherapy in Slovenia.

Tobacco use is a major global health problem, contributing to premature death and disability. In Slovenia, the prevalence of smoking is higher than the EU average, emphasizing the need for effective tobacco control measures. The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics of patients most likely to benefit from pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation. We performed cross-sectional analysis of factors associated with successful smoking cessation using pharmacotherapy for Slovenian smokers. A total of 176 (24.6%) smokers with an average age of 50 years agreed to receive pharmacotherapy for their smoking cessation attempt and were enrolled in the study. Participants were followed up at 4-week intervals during treatment and for 24 weeks after completion of pharmacotherapy. Attempts to quit smoking with prescription medications were successful in 24.4% of those willing to try. Female smokers, older persons, those with more children, with a lower self-perception of health, a higher number of cigarettes per day and a higher nicotine dependence were more likely to attempt to quit smoking. However, the strongest predictors of smoking cessation success were lower nicotine dependence, which was tested using the Fagerström test for nicotine dependence, and higher adherence to pharmacotherapy. Nicotine dependence and adherence to pharmacotherapy are the strongest predictors of a successful smoking cessation attempt. Identification of potential responders, prescription of pharmacotherapy and follow-up are applicable in the primary healthcare setting.

Sentiment Analysis of Cigarette Use Based on Opinions from X Using Naive Bayes and SVM

The research employs Naive Bayes and Support Vector Machine (SVM) classification techniques to analyze attitudes toward cigarette consumption based on Twitter user opinions. Twitter, being one of the most popular social media platforms, serves as an excellent source for gauging public sentiment on various issues, including cigarette smoking, referred to here as "X." The diverse array of opinions poses a challenge for accurate sentiment classification. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the Naive Bayes and SVM algorithms in categorizing sentiment as positive, negative, or neutral. Data is collected through web scraping, and preprocessing steps such as text cleaning, tokenization, and stemming are implemented. The performance of the classification is assessed using metrics like accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score. The results indicate that SVM outperforms Naive Bayes in sentiment analysis related to cigarette use. These findings provide new insights into public opinion and aim to assist policymakers in developing effective tobacco control strategies.

Is India on a path to reduce the tobacco industry's influence in tobacco control? Insights from the Global Tobacco Industry Interference Index (2019-2023).

The tobacco industry (TI), driven by profit motives, consistently conceals health risks through deceptive strategies, notably in countries like India. These tactics create vulnerabilities that hinder effective tobacco control measures and enable the TI to exploit legal gaps. Understanding these TI strategies is essential for policymakers to take appropriate preventive and corrective measures in order to limit tobacco industry interference (TII) in policy-making. The study aims at understanding the trend of TII in India between 2019 and 2023. The secondary data from the Global Tobacco Industry Interference report, consisting of seven major domains of the TII index, viz. policy participation, corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities, industry benefits, unnecessary interaction, transparency, conflict of interest, and preventive measures, were retrieved. A composite score was obtained after adding scores of different domains, for each year. The findings of the study demonstrated an initial improvement in India's implementation of WHO FCTC Article 5.3, as evidenced by a decreasing score between 2019 and 2021. However, this trend halted in 2023, with data showing a slight increase in the score. When compared with other Asian countries, India shows marginal improvement in score than Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Thailand, and South Korea. Some of the countries in the region, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Brunei, China, and Vietnam experienced a decline in TII. There has been a rise in CSR activities, forms of unnecessary interactions of TII with policymakers, and participation in policy development; however, improvements are observed in providing benefits to the TI, conflict of interest, and preventive measures. In order to fortify the regulatory framework, it is imperative to create awareness among stakeholders on conflict of interest, denormalize corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives by the TI, provision of a watchdog for TII in the country and "whole of government" approach in implementation of FCTC Article 5.3.

Sociodemographic inequalities in cigarette, smokeless tobacco, waterpipe tobacco, and electronic cigarette use among adolescents aged 12-16 years in 114 countries: A cross-sectional analysis.

The majority of users of tobacco and nicotine products start using them in adolescence. In order to keep equity considerations at the forefront of tobacco control, it is crucial to assess whether inequalities in prevalence of tobacco and nicotine use exist among adolescents globally. We conducted a secondary analysis of Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) data from 538644 school-based adolescents (79.3% aged 13-15 years) in 114 countries (2013-2019). Data were collected on current (past 30-day) use of cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, waterpipe tobacco and electronic cigarettes. We used weighted Poisson regression models adjusted for sex, pocket money, and age to assess differences in prevalence of current use between boys and girls, and between students with high versus low pocket money. Although there was substantial regional variation, in most countries boys were statistically significantly more likely to report current use of all assessed products (ranging from 50.0% of countries for waterpipe tobacco to 73.3% of countries for electronic cigarettes). Inequalities by sex were less pronounced in Europe compared to other regions. Inequalities by pocket money were less consistent; students with more pocket money were more likely to report current use of cigarettes (vs those with less pocket money) in 61.8% of the countries, but more likely to report current use of smokeless tobacco in only 18.3% of countries. Globally, boys and adolescents with more pocket money are generally more likely to use a range of tobacco and nicotine products. However, these patterns are not universal and local variations should be taken into consideration to design effective and equitable tobacco control policies.

A Systematic Literature Review on the Composition, Health Impacts, and Regulatory Dynamics of Vaping.

This comprehensive review deals with the multifaceted aspects of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), examining their composition, health implications, regulatory challenges, and market dynamics. E-cigarettes, also known as vaping devices, function by warming a solution of liquid containing flavors, nicotine, and various other compounds to produce an aerosol for users to inhale. This review underscores the evolution and widespread adoption of e-cigarettes since their introduction in 2003, highlighting their appeal as alternatives to traditional tobacco smoking. The essential parts of e-cigarettes are the battery, heating element, e-liquid (or e-juice), and mouthpiece. Propylene glycoland vegetable glycerinare common ingredients in e-liquids, along with nicotine and other flavors. Concerns over the health impacts of e-cigarettes have grown, particularly in light of incidents like the e-cigarette or vaping-associated lung injuryoutbreak in 2019 linked to vaping-associated lung injuries. Evidence suggests that while e-cigarettes may pose fewer risks than conventional cigarettes, they are not without health consequences, including potential respiratory and cardiovascular effects. Regulatory efforts worldwide have struggled to keep pace with the rapid evolution of e-cigarettes, exacerbated by their diverse flavors and marketing strategies that appeal to youth. The review discusses global regulatory responses, including bans and restrictions, to curb youth uptake and address public health concerns. Furthermore, the rise of a black market for e-cigarettes poses additional challenges to effective regulation and tobacco control efforts. In conclusion, while e-cigarettes offer potential harm reduction benefits for adult smokers seeking alternatives to traditional tobacco products, their widespread availability and evolving landscape necessitate vigilant regulatory oversight to protect public health, especially among youth. Future research should continue to explore the long-term health impacts and efficacy of e-cigarettes as smoking elimination aids, informing evidence-based policies and interventions.

Esophageal cancer global burden profiles, trends, and contributors.

This study aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the global burden of esophageal cancer (EC) and determine the temporal trends and factors influencing changes in the global burden. The latest incidence and mortality data for EC worldwide were obtained from GLOBALCAN 2022. The mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) rates for EC from 1990-2019 were sourced from the 2019 Global Burden of Diseases. Trends in EC mortality and DALYs attributable to 11 risk factors or clusters of risk were analyzed using the joinpoint regression model. The trends in age-related EC burden were assessed using a decomposition approach. An estimated 511,054 new cases of EC were diagnosed in 2022 with 445,391 deaths worldwide. Approximately 75% of cases and deaths occurred in Asia. Nearly 50% of global EC deaths and DALYs were attributed to tobacco use in men in 2019, while 20% were attributed to high body mass index (BMI) in women. From 1990-2019, EC deaths and DALYs attributable to almost all risk factors had declining trends, while EC deaths and DALYs attributed to high BMI in men had upward trends. The age-related EC burden exhibited an upward trend driven by population growth and aging, which contributed to 307.4 thousand deaths and 7.2 million DALYs due to EC. The EC burden remains substantial worldwide. Effective tobacco and obesity control measures are critical for addressing the risk-attributable burden of EC. Population growth and aging pose challenges for EC prevention and control efforts.

Comparative analysis of tobacco industry cigarette marketing expenditures in the United States, 2009–2018

Anti-tobacco campaigns face challenges as tobacco marketing consistently outpaces funding for public health presentation initiatives. In 2017, tobacco companies spent around $1 million every hour to promote cigarettes and smokeless tobacco in the US. That same year, they were also mandated to sponsor and disseminate Federal court ordered Corrective Statements (CSs) advertisements in outlets such as newspapers and major television networks. Thus, it is crucial to monitor the marketing activities of the tobacco industry to bolster effective tobacco control efforts. Cigarettes marketing expenditures were obtained from the Federal Trade Commission Cigarettes reports and adjusted for inflation using the Consumer Price Index Inflation Calculator. Temporal trends during 2009–2018 period were assessed using Joinpoint regression at (p < 0.05). The costs of publishing the CSs in print were estimated based on the cost of a full-page advertisement with similar specifications. Between 2009 and 2018, the total adjusted cigarette marketing expenditures exhibited no significant changes (AAPC = −1.5). Spending on print advertisements decreased from 0.43% in 2009 to 0.1% in 2018. Magazine cigarette marketing expenditures underwent a relative percentage decline of 80% (AAPC = −13.5;p < 0.05). In 2018, the tobacco industry allocated approximately $8.5 million for print advertisements to promote cigarettes. We estimated that it cost $5.5 million to disseminate the CSs in print the same year, constituting 0.06% of the overall expenditure on cigarette marketing and promotion. Several traditional cigarettes advertising categories have seen reduced funding over the past decade. Nevertheless, the total marketing expenditure remained unaffected. In response to marketing regulations, tobacco companies shifted their funds to less regulated channels. In 2018, a significant portion of promotional expenditures were directed toward various price discounts, which could potentially expose vulnerable children and youths to cigarette marketing. Lastly, the impact of CSs was weakened by delayed implementation and shift in consumer attention from traditional media to other digital channels.

Smoking-attributable Mortality in Korea, 2020: A Meta-analysis of 4 Databases.

Estimating the number of deaths caused by smoking is crucial for developing and evaluating tobacco control and smoking cessation policies. This study aimed to determine smoking-attributable mortality (SAM) in Korea in 2020. Four large-scale cohorts from Korea were analyzed. A Cox proportional-hazards model was used to determine the hazard ratios (HRs) of smoking-related death. By conducting a meta-analysis of these HRs, the pooled HRs of smoking-related death for 41 diseases were estimated. Population-attributable fractions (PAFs) were calculated based on the smoking prevalence for 1995 in conjunction with the pooled HRs. Subsequently, SAM was derived using the PAF and the number of deaths recorded for each disease in 2020. The pooled HR for all-cause mortality attributable to smoking was 1.73 for current men smokers (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.53 to 1.95) and 1.63 for current women smokers (95% CI, 1.37 to 1.94). Smoking accounted for 33.2% of all-cause deaths in men and 4.6% in women. Additionally, it was a factor in 71.8% of men lung cancer deaths and 11.9% of women lung cancer deaths. In 2020, smoking was responsible for 53 930 men deaths and 6283 women deaths, totaling 60 213 deaths. Cigarette smoking was responsible for a significant number of deaths in Korea in 2020. Monitoring the impact and societal burden of smoking is essential for effective tobacco control and harm prevention policies.

Potential impacts of spatial restrictions on tobacco retail availability in China: a simulation study in Shanghai

ObjectivesRegulating tobacco retail availability provides promising new opportunities for effective tobacco control. This study simulates the potential impacts of introducing spatial restrictions on the availability of tobacco in Shanghai, the...

Increase of unmotivated and hardened smokers in Hong Kong: a repeated cross-sectional trend analysis

ObjectivesTo examine the trends in the prevalence of hardening indicators and hardened smokers in Hong Kong, where the low smoking prevalence has plateaued in the recent decade.MethodsThis is an analysis...