Global Adult Tobacco Survey Research Articles

Greater smoking intensity may be linked to early smoking initiation among Filipinos: Evidence from the 2021 Global Adult Tobacco Survey Philippines.

Understanding the relationship between age at smoking initiation and later smoking intensity is crucial for assessing future health consequences of smoking early and informing strategies to prevent and reduce tobacco use. This study explores the relationship between the two smoking-related behaviors among Filipino daily smokers. Secondary data analyses from the 2021 Global Adult Tobacco Survey Philippines were performed. This study covers those who were reported to be daily smokers. The outcome of interest was smoking intensity, measured as the number of manufactured cigarettes consumed per day, while the main predictor was age at smoking initiation. Data from 2260 participants were analyzed. Negative binomial regression was used to test for the relationship between age at smoking initiation and smoking intensity while controlling for sociodemographic variables and other smoking-related behaviors. The average age at which daily smoking commenced was 20.93 (SD=6.35) years, while the average number of manufactured cigarettes consumed per day was 9.50 (SD=7.26). Age at smoking initiation was a significant predictor of smoking intensity, even after controlling for potential confounders. Each additional year in the age at which smoking was initiated was associated with a 1.55% decrease in smoking intensity in the adjusted model (β= -0.0155, p<0.0001). Other predictors of smoking intensity were current age (β=0.0072; 95% CI: 0.0050-0.0094, p<0.0001), sex (β= -0.1146; 95% CI: -0.2157 - -0.0136, p=0.0262), and smoking rules at home (β=0.1807; 95% CI: 0.1175-0.2439, p<0.0001). Greater smoking intensity may be linked to early smoking initiation among Filipino adult daily smokers. The results may support interventions that target younger ages to curb heavy tobacco use at later ages.

Nested multilevel modelling study of smoking and smokeless tobacco consumption among middle aged and elderly Indian adults: distribution, determinants and socioeconomic disparities

IntroductionThe Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) shows a drop in tobacco use worldwide. Despite the drop, there still continues to be a significant number of tobacco users in India. Research on tobacco use among young persons is commonly prioritised in India, while studies on tobacco use among middle-aged (45–59 years) and elderly (≥ 60 years) adults are noticeably lacking. We have conducted this study with objective to estimate the distribution, determinants and socioeconomic inequalities of smoking (SM) and smokeless tobacco (SLT) consumption across Indian states and union territories.MethodsThis study was based on 66,606 participants aged ≥ 45 years using Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI)-1 (2017–2018) data. Distribution of tobacco consumption (any form, smoking (SM), smokeless (SLT) and both) was documented as per Indian states and union territories with spatial distribution by Indian map. Demographic, socioeconomic, health related and behavioural determinants were established using nested multilevel regression modelling. Socioeconomic disparities were documented using concentration curve. P-value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.ResultsOverall, 36.78% participants documented using any form of tobacco; with higher consumption of SLT (19.88%) than smoking/SM (13.92%). Only 2.98% consumed both. Mizoram had highest consumption of tobacco in any form (78.21%) and smoking (35.18%). Elderly participants had higher odds of consuming tobacco (any 1.23 (1.18–1.28), SM 1.99 (1.14–1.27), SLT 1.08 (1.03–1.14) and both 1.27 (1.14–1.40 times) than middle aged participants. Females, OBC (other backward castes), urban residence had lower odds in all the categories, while being widow/ separated/ divorced, belonging to Muslim community, having clerical and skilled occupation, poor self-rated health, comorbidity and multimorbidity had higher odds. With decrease in the wealth index, educational status and frequency of physical activity the odds of tobacco consumption increased. The odds of higher tobacco consumption were documented from northeast region (2.56 (2.37–2.76) higher than north). Alcohol consumption had the highest odds (4.94 (4.69–5.21)). Participants exposed to media had lower odds (11% lower) of consuming tobacco. The socioeconomic inequalities in tobacco consumption were significantly distributed more among the poorest (any -0.064 (-0.072 to -0.056) and SLT -0.069 (-0.072 to -0.056)).ConclusionPrioritising tobacco prevention and increasing availability and accessibility of cessation programmes that are suited with unique requirements and circumstances, even for elderly population, are essential focusing on the higher determinants across poorest section in the country.

Estimating the weight of consumed tobacco product waste in various Indian states: a novel method to assess the potential burden of tobacco product waste

IntroductionThe direct morbidity and mortality caused by tobacco are well documented, but such products also contribute to a range of environmental pollutants resulting from tobacco product waste. No previous studies...

Disparities in Tobacco Smoking by Sex and Employment Status: Results from South Africa’s First Global Adult Tobacco Survey

Background/Objectives: Tobacco smoking is a cause of premature death and illness globally. This study examined the prevalence and factors associated with tobacco smoking among South African adults according to sex, education, and employment status among socio-demographic subgroups. Methods: Data were obtained from the 2021 South African Global Adult Tobacco Survey (a nationally representative household survey using a multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling design). The 6,311 participants were aged 15+ years. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multiple logistic regression analysis were used to investigate relationships between current smoking and socio-demographic variables. Results: Smoking prevalence was 25.8% (n = 1573) (41.2% among men, 11.5% among women; 29.9% among working individuals, 23.1% among non-working individuals). The multiple logistic regression results showed that males aged 45–64 were twice as likely to be currently smoking than males aged 15–24. Coloured (of mixed race) males were twice as likely to smoke as Black African males. Males with secondary/post-secondary education were less likely to smoke compared to males with no education. Coloured females were seven times and White females were almost five times more likely to smoke than Black African females. Females with post-secondary education were less likely to smoke than those with no formal education. Females earning an income were more likely to smoke compared to those with no income. Non-working participants aged 25–44 and 45–64 were more likely to smoke compared to those aged 15–24 years. Working and non-working Coloured and working White individuals were three times more likely to smoke than working or non-working Black Africans. Conclusion: Groups with higher identified smoking prevalence may indicate where smoking cessation interventions should be targeted to reduce national smoking prevalence.

Correction to: Singlestick purchases: a comparative cross-country analysis in 10 African countries, Global Adult Tobacco Survey, 2012-21.

Correction to: Singlestick purchases: a comparative cross-country analysis in 10 African countries, Global Adult Tobacco Survey, 2012-21.

Long-term exposure to third-hand smoke could accelerate biological aging via mitochondrial dysfunction: Evidence from population and animal studies

The relationship between third-hand smoke (THS) exposure and lifespan remains inadequately explored. Our study sought to clarify the effects of THS on aging and lifespan. In this pursuit, our cross-sectional analysis assessed hematological aging markers in 986 non-smokers and examined lifespan alterations using a Drosophila model. THS exposure levels were quantified through survey metrics consistent with the Global Adult Tobacco Survey. The findings revealed that THS exposure significantly accelerated biological aging, with exposed individuals exhibiting an average increase in biological age of 3.04 years compared to their unexposed counterparts (p < 0.05). Correspondingly, the Drosophila model reflected these outcomes, showing a reduction in lifespan by 16.07 days (p < 0.01). Proteomic analyses identified MRPL2 as a pivotal protein in THS-induced aging, linking its expression to mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. Further metabolomic profiling highlighted disruptions in energy metabolism pathways. Follow-up in vitro experiments confirmed the role of MRPL2 in the aging processes at the cellular level. Overall, our results indicate that THS exposure is a significant accelerant of aging, providing new perspectives on the health consequences of environmental smoke residues.

Magnitude, Extent, and Burden of Substance-use Disorders in West Bengal: Findings from the National Mental Health Survey (NMHS), 2016.

Substance-use disorders (SUDs) are a public health problem. The Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) and National Family Health Survey (NFHS) provide evidence of high usage. Hence, the National Mental Health Survey (NMHS) WB data were analyzed to estimate the prevalence, pattern, disability burden, and service utilization of SUD. The usual NMHS methodology was used. Four districts were selected, and thereafter, a multistage random sampling was done. The validated Bengali version of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) and other instruments like the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND), disability, and health care utilization modules were used. A total of 2,646 eligible members (age >18 years as per 2011 census) were interviewed. It was found that alcohol use as per MINI at least 3 drinks of alcohol within 3 hours on 3 or more occasions was 3.9%, and the weighted prevalence of alcohol-use disorder (AUD) and tobacco-use disorder (TUD) was 3.04% and 14%, respectively. The AUD and TUD prevalence was lower than the national prevalence, yet they were more prevalent in urban areas than in the national trend. The ratio of women to men suffering from AUD in WB (1:5) was one of the highest in the country (all India average 1:18). Also, the treatment gap of 89.2% was more than the national average. SUDs are an important public health problem in the state of WB, which requires further research, particularly among women, comorbid psychiatric disorders, and in urban areas.

Smoked, smokeless, and poly-tobacco use during pregnancy in relation to infant mortality in Cambodia: Findings from a nationwide sample.

Maternal cigarette smoking during pregnancy is an established risk factor for adverse maternal, fetal, and infant outcomes. In contrast, maternal smokeless tobacco use (i.e. e-cigarettes, snus, betel quid, iqmik) during pregnancy has a more complex risk profile due to its potential use as a smoking cessation aid or to reduce the harm from smoking tobacco. The overall aim of this study was to investigate the association between smoked, smokeless, and poly-tobacco (smoked + smokeless) use during pregnancy and infant mortality, in a national sample of women in Cambodia. The study used data from the National Adult Tobacco Survey of Cambodia (NATSC) that employed sampling methods and tobacco survey items from the CDC Global Adult Tobacco Survey but also included a supplement on reproductive health and birthing history. We selected 5342 women of the NATSC who reported complete data on at least one pregnancy, and our unit of analysis was the 15998 pregnancies from these women. We conducted a multivariable logistic regression to relate tobacco use to infant mortality. Taylor linearized variance estimators were used to account for clustering by sampling unit and mother. We found that smokeless tobacco in the form of a betel quid was the most common form of tobacco used during pregnancy. In multivariable logistic regression, we found increased odds of infant death for all tobacco use categories (smoked, smokeless), but that the strongest effects were seen for habits that included smokeless tobacco (relative to never use of tobacco in any form): exclusive use of smokeless tobacco (adjusted odds ratio, AOR=2.08; 95% CI: 1.15-3.76), and poly-tobacco use (AOR=5.68; 95% CI: 1.03-31.46). In more detailed analyses that considered the composition of the betel quid (tobacco, areca nut/leaf, slaked lime), we found that even chewing of tobacco leaves with no processing or additives was associated with a three-fold increase in odds of infant death relative to a never user (AOR=3.05; 95% CI: 1.45-6.45). We found that even among those pregnant women who limited their nicotine habit to chewing tobacco leaves with no processing or additives, there remained higher odds of fetal or infant death from that pregnancy.

Noticing health warning labels and intentions to quit smokeless tobacco products: results from two Global Adult Tobacco Survey rounds, India

Introduction: Health warning labels (HWLs) are one of the key strategies for tobacco control. The current study assessed the individual characteristics affecting the noticeability of HWLs and the thought of quitting smokeless tobacco (SLT) on noticing HWLs. We further estimated the temporal changes in noticeability and thought of quitting after noticing HWLs over time in India. Methods: Data from two rounds (2009–2010 and 2016–2017) of GATS (Global Adult Tobacco Survey) from India were analysed to understand the pattern of SLT usage and estimate the relative changes in the noticeability of HWLs and the thought of quitting SLT among those who noticed HWLs. Sampling weights were used during the analysis. Multivariate binary logistic regression was used to explore the determinants for the noticeability of HWLs and encourage the intention to quit SLT after noticing the HWLs. Results: About 25.9% and 20.6% of participants consumed SLT daily or non-daily in two rounds of GATS. Overall, there was a 14% relative increase in noticing the HWLs and a 20% increase in the thought of quitting in GATS-2 compared with GATS-1. The adjusted odds ratio of observing HWLs among SLT users was 1.51 times (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.44–1.58) in round 2 compared with round 1, while the odds ratio concerning the thought of quitting SLT after noticing HWLs was 1.95 times (95% CI, 1.84–2.06) in round 2 compared with round 1. Conclusions: We observe a consistent increase in the noticeability of HWLs and intentions to quit in SLT users, with significant variations across socio-demographic characteristics calling for concerted efforts. SLT being the major form of tobacco usage in India and Asian countries, HWLs alone cannot bring down the consumption rates, and it needs to be supported by strict implementation of SLT legislation for long-lasting impact.

Determinants of bone mineral density in various regions of the skeleton among smokers and non-smokers: the role of physical activity.

The adult human skeleton is composed of cortical and cancellous bone. The proportions of these two types of bone tissue differ in various parts of the skeleton. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to quantify the determinants of bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content in various regions of interest (ROIs) in smokers and never-smokers. In this study, 4,332 bone scans of three regions of interest (ROIs) were analyzed: the forearm (distal and proximal), femur, and lumbar spine. Body composition and bone parameters were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Smoking was measured using the Global Adult Tobacco Survey questionnaire. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated, and physical activity (PA) was characterized by the metabolic equivalent of task (MET). Among women, the interaction between PA (positive β coefficient) and smoking (negative β coefficient) was a significant predictor of BMD in the distal and proximal forearm (adj. R2 = 0.40 and R2 = 0.58; p < 0.001). The interaction of three variables-age, smoking (negative β), and MET (positive β)-was significant for total hip BMD (adj. R2 = 0.54; p < 0.001). The interaction between BMI and MET (positive β) and smoking (negative β) was significant for BMD in the lumbar spine (adj. R2 = 0.62; p < 0.001). In men, the interaction between MET (positive β) and smoking (negative β) was significant for BMD in the forearm and lumbar spine (adj. R2 = 0.44, R2 = 0.46, and R2 = 0.49; p < 0.01). Smoking alone was a significant negative predictor of total hip BMD (adj. R2 = 0.34; p < 0.001). Among both women and men, never-smokers had significantly better bone parameters than smokers. Smoking was a significant negative predictor for BMD in the various ROIs in both women and men. Physical activity was a significant positive predictor of BMD, with a strong association with bone parameters.

Changes in Smoking Patterns in Turkey Before and After the Ban on Loose Cigarettes: An Ecological Perspective From Global Tobacco Surveillance Data.

Loose or individual cigarettes sold without packaging pose a unique challenge for tobacco control, which is the leading cause of premature and preventable mortality worldwide. This study aims to assess the changes in smoking patterns following the ban on loose cigarettes in 2008 in Turkey. Gender-stratified trend analysis of smoking patterns before and after the ban on loose cigarettes was done using the Global Tobacco Surveillance data (adults: Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) 2008, 2012, and 2016; youth: Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) 2003, 2005, 2009, 2012, and 2017) from Turkey. The trends in smoking patterns were triangulated with the introduction of the loose cigarette ban and other laws in Turkey. From GATS 1 in 2008 to GATS 2 in 2012, there were initial declines in adult smoking patterns, including current smoking and daily smoking, with increased quit intentions. However, these trends were reversed by the time of the GATS 3 in 2016, when both current smoking and daily smoking measures were higher, especially among females. Monthly cigarette expenses consistently increased across all survey years. Among youths, the overall prevalence increased sharply from 6.9% in 2003 to 23% in 2005, then decreased to 8.4% in 2009, again increased to 10.4% in 2012, and finally returned to 7.7% in 2017. Triangulation of these trends against the implementation of the loose cigarette ban in 2008 produced no clear association between the ban and smoking patterns. The overall marginal decline in smoking behaviors over two decades in Turkey needs to be fast-tracked, specifically the rise of smoking among the female population, which needs to be addressed through evidence-based tobacco control interventions. The loose cigarette ban was implemented as part of a comprehensive tobacco control law, and the GATS or GYTS data is not sufficient to assess the effect of this provision. The tobacco control effort in Turkey should collect evidence for changes in smoking patterns following the implementation of tobacco interventions, which is also a mandate of the Global Tobacco Surveillance System (GTSS).

Changes in Prevalence of Childhood Exposure to Secondhand Smoke in India: A Secondary Analysis of GATS Survey (2009-2017).

Children are susceptible to early life inequalities stemming from their limited control over their environment and their physical incapability to handle the health and developmental consequences of smoke exposure. Additionally, their lack of awareness regarding the detrimental effects of secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure on their well-being emphasizes the crucial need to comprehend the extent of SHS exposure among the younger population. The study aims to analyze the magnitude and factors influencing SHS exposure among children under 15 years, along with the shifts in SHS exposure in India and its states between 2009-10 and 2016-17. The study utilized two rounds of the nationally representative cross-sectional Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) conducted in 2009-10 and 2016-17, respectively. The study included a total of 47,494 households with 108,814 children under 15 years of age for GATS1 and 46,874 households with 1,000,167 children under 15 years of age for GATS2. Bivariate analysis and Multivariable logistic regression was employed. Forty-five percent of children experienced SHS exposure at home. Although most states saw a reduction in exposure rates, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu exhibited increases between 2009-10 and 2016-17. Multivariate analysis revealed that children from the North-Eastern (OR = 6.51, CI = (5.93-7.15)) and North (OR = 7.51, CI = 6.88-8.19)) regions, rural areas (OR = 1.45, CI = (1.37-1.52)), Scheduled Tribes (OR = 1.76, CI = (1.63-1.90)), and those with household adults lacking knowledge of SHS's harmful health effects on children (OR = 1.15, CI = (1.04-1.27)) were more likely to be exposed to SHS at home. India has made strides in reducing child SHS exposure, yet challenges persist in rural and impoverished homes. Comprehensive tobacco control measures can break the cycle of poverty driven by smoking-related expenses, fostering a tobacco-free generation.

Singlestick purchases: a comparative cross-country analysis in 10 African countries, Global Adult Tobacco Survey, 2012-21.

We utilized Global Adult Tobacco Survey data to examine singlestick purchases and related demographic characteristics in 10 African countries (Botswana, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Mauritania, Senegal, South Africa, Uganda and Tanzania). Results show the weighted percentages and prevalence ratios with predicted marginal means to evaluate significant differences between groups (P < 0.05). The prevalence of singlestick purchases among the 10 African countries ranged from 48.4% in South Africa to 92.0% in Tanzania. Across countries, the incidence of singlestick purchases was higher in urban areas than rural areas in Kenya; among those aged 15-24 years versus those aged 45 years and older in Botswana, Ethiopia, Mauritania, Nigeria and South Africa; and among those aged 25-44 years versus those aged 45 years and older in Botswana, South Africa and Tanzania. The incidence in Botswana was higher among adults with no formal or primary education than among those with secondary or higher education. In South Africa, the incidence was higher among adults in the middle or lower wealth index than among those in the high or highest wealth index. The findings suggest opportunities for strengthening efforts to prevent singlestick purchases through effective legislation and enforcement in line with Article 16 of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

Smoking Cessation and Utilization of Cessation Assistance in 13 low- and middle-income countries - changes between Two Survey Rounds of Global Adult Tobacco Surveys, 2009-2021.

Monitoring changes in cessation behaviors and cessation assistance is critical for policymaking. We analyzed two rounds (2009-2014 and 2015-2021) of Global Adult Tobacco Surveys in 13 countries. We estimated the quit ratio, quit attempt, and utilization of cessation assistance. The availability of cessation services was obtained from World Health Organization reports. We calculated absolute and relative changes in quit ratio, quit attempt, and cessation assistance. We assessed socio-economic determinants of cessation behaviors by binary logistic regression analyses on pooled data. In all countries during both rounds smoking prevalence was 7.6-33.8%, the quit ratio was 0.15-0.54%, and the quit attempt was 17.7-52.8%. Quit ratio improved in Indonesia by 100% but declined in Turkey by 56%. Quit attempts increased in Indonesia (31.9%), Mexico (16.9%) and China (15.9%) but decreased in Turkey (140.4%), Vietnam (43.1%), and Romania (62.4%). In both rounds, using at least one method was 12.5-99.8% while the WHO-recommended method was 4.1-88.4%. In both rounds "try to quit without any assistance" and "other methods" were the most frequently reported cessation assistance. Nicotine replacement therapy (0.2-25.3%) was frequently used as recommended cessation assistance. Nicotine replacement therapy was available in most countries but not quitline and support services. Limited progress was made in smoking cessation behaviors and cessation assistance in most countries. Health education to improve demand for smoking cessation and availability of evidence-based, low-cost smoking cessation assistance including quit-smoking may improve quit ratios in the population.

Electronic Cigarette and Heated Tobacco Product Use and Their Association With Tobacco Control Factors Among Adults in Indonesia, Kazakhstan, and the Philippines.

Data on e-cigarette (EC) and heated tobacco product (HTP) use and the reasons for their use are useful for policy making. We report comparable nationally representative estimates of EC and HTP use and their associated factors. Global Adult Tobacco Survey data from Indonesia (2021), Kazakhstan (2019), and the Philippines (2021) were analyzed. The weighted prevalence rates and 95% CI of EC and HTP awareness, current use, and ever use, and their distribution by cigarette smoking status were calculated. Binary logistic regression analyses assessed socioeconomic, and tobacco control factors associated with EC and HTP use. The prevalence (%) of EC awareness, ever use and current use were 48.7-69.4, 3.6-8.8, and 1.9-3.0, respectively. The prevalence(%) of HTP awareness, ever use and current use were 2.7-21.7, 0.2-2.1, and 0.1-1.2, respectively. The main reasons for EC and HTP use were attractive flavors(45.8%-73.9%), less harmful than smoking(23.0%-70.1%), and enjoyment(40.8%-76.7%). Avoiding going back to smoking(0.9%-54.4%) and quitting smoking(19.4%-49.8%) were less frequently cited reasons (except in the Philippines). EC/HTP use was associated with younger age, higher education and wealth, current/past smoking, exposure to information about the dangers of tobacco use, and advertisements about tobacco products and smoke-free rules at home. The prevalence of EC and HTP use was higher among younger men with higher education and wealth, and current/past smoking. EC and HTP use should be closely monitored. Regulations to restrict the widespread marketing and sales of EC and HTP are needed to prevent the escalation of their use. The population-level data provide the benchmark for future monitoring use of e-cigarettes and HTPs and identify population subgroups for future surveillance in low- and middle-income countries. The association of EC/HTP use with tobacco control-related factors provides leads for policies that should be formulated and implemented to regulate the product contents, marketing, and sales of EC and HTP.

Are Anti-Tobacco Messages Delivered through Different Mass-Media Channels Effective in India? Results from GATS-II Survey.

Anti-tobacco mass-media campaigns are an integral part of tobacco control. There is still a need to understand which mode of mass-media channels aids in promoting tobacco cessation. This study aimed to examine if exposure to anti-tobacco messages delivered through different media channels is associated with tobacco user's thoughts and attempts to quit. We selected a sample of tobacco users (N=21857) from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS-2), and assessed the association of noticing the anti-tobacco information through different media channels with tobacco user's thoughts and attempts to quit. Males reported noticing anti-tobacco information more than females in almost all modes of media channels. Among males, the odds were significant and were highest with exposure to radio (1.78 (1.4-2.27)), and internet (1.68 (1.12-2.52)) for thoughts to quit smoking and to radio (2.17 (1.63-2.89) and newspaper (1.46 (1.2-1.79) for thoughts to quitting smokeless tobacco (SLT). The attempt to quit smoking and SLT use among males was significant for exposure through public transportation (1.22 (1.03-1.44)), public walls (1.44 (1.21-1.71), internet (1.68 (1.06-2.66)), and radio (1.44 (1.1-1.87)). Exposure to more than two media resulted in a higher likelihood of thoughts of quitting tobacco, and those exposed to more than one media attempted to quit tobacco among males. Females reported no influence from the media exposure. The study underscores the importance of targeted and combination of different mass-media channels to maximize the quit behaviors among male tobacco users. The current study also highlights the need for future studies to identify effective ways to communicate anti-tobacco information to women and all socio-economic groups in the country.

Overview Smoking Behavior and Quality of Life of Sports Department Students, Faculty of Sports Science, Universitas Negeri Malang

According to the results of the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) in 2021, there has been a considerable increase in the number of adult smokers over the past ten years, rising from 60.3 million in 2011 to 69.1 million in 2021, an increase of 8.8 million individuals. This study aims to compare the quality of life between actively smoking students and those who are exposed to passive smoking, examining their physical, psychological, social, and environmental health effects. The study utilized a sample of 100 respondents who completed a questionnaire on cigarette use and the WHOQOL quality of life assessment, covering variables such as cigarette type, disruption in daily activities, desire to quit smoking, cigarette consumption, and attitudes towards smoking bans in public places. Calculation of the WHOQOL score revealed that 60 percent of non-smoking student respondents reported a good quality of life. These findings underscore the critical need for enhanced health awareness programs and stricter smoking regulations within the university to foster a healthier environment. The study's insights highlight the importance of developing targeted interventions and policies to reduce smoking rates among students to enhance their overall quality of life.According to the results of the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) in 2021, there has been a considerable increase in the number of adult smokers over the past ten years, rising from 60.3 million in 2011 to 69.1 million in 2021, an increase of 8.8 million individuals. This study aims to compare the quality of life between actively smoking students and those who are exposed to passive smoking, examining their physical, psychological, social, and environmental health effects. The study utilized a sample of 100 respondents who completed a questionnaire on cigarette use and the WHOQOL quality of life assessment, covering variables such as cigarette type, disruption in daily activities, desire to quit smoking, cigarette consumption, and attitudes towards smoking bans in public places. Calculation of the WHOQOL score revealed that 60 percent of non-smoking student respondents reported a good quality of life. These findings underscore the critical need for enhanced health awareness programs and stricter smoking regulations within the university to foster a healthier environment. The study's insights highlight the importance of developing targeted interventions and policies to reduce smoking rates among students to enhance their overall quality of life.

Increasing prevalence of smokeless tobacco consumption in the Northeastern region of India: An analysis of two rounds of Global Adult Tobacco Survey I and II (2009–10 and 2016–17)

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Tobacco claims over 8 million lives, with over 80% of the 1.3 billion users residing in low- and middle-income nations. India ranks highest in the proportion of users globally, notably in the Northeastern states. This paper aims to analyze the overall trends of smoking and smokeless tobacco (SLT) in the Northeast Region (NER) of India between the two rounds of the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) while analyzing the factors influencing tobacco used in the context of the region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Descriptive analysis, estimation, and comparison of the prevalence of smoking and SLT were conducted for both rounds of GATS. The Chi-square test was employed to examine the association between variables such as gender, age, residence, education level, occupation, marital status, and caste while adjusting for GATS weight. RESULTS: The prevalence of smoking tobacco in GATS-II in NER is 19.3%, a decrease of 12% from GATS-I. While the use of manufactured cigarettes decreased by 33.7%, the use of bidi smoking and rolled tobacco in paper/leaf increased by 15.9% and 9.2%, respectively. The prevalence of SLT in GATS-II was 40.5%, a significant increase of 17% from GATS-I. While both genders exhibited increased tobacco usage, females experienced a particularly significant rise (18%) between the two survey rounds. No formal schooling, gender, rural residence, older age group, and occupation were significant factors in influencing the increased use of SLT. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of SLT consumption in the NER is on the rise, even as overall trends indicate a decrease in smoking tobacco. To effectively address this issue, tobacco should be integrated as a crosscutting concern across all levels of health programs. Multisectoral collaborations involving communities and schools can achieve regulatory and meaningful reductions in tobacco use.

Determinants of Electric Cigarette (Vape) Use by Adolescents In Indonesia

Vaping is a form of changing conventional cigarettes into electronic cigarettes. Since 2014, the distribution of e-cigarettes throughout the world has become a trend and has reached various groups of consumers. In Indonesia, e-cigarette users continue to increase every year. GATS (Global Adult Tobacco Survey) findings in 2021 submitted by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia found that there was an increase in the prevalence of e-cigarette users up to 10 times compared to the last survey in 2011, from 0.3% to 3% including in the world is increasing, especially in teenagers. This research aims to determine the determinants of electronic cigarette (vape) use among teenagers in Indonesia. This research uses a systematic literature study through searches using the Google Scholar site. The inclusion criteria are the article has been published in a journal, explains the factors of electronic cigarette/vape use among teenagers and the article can be downloaded while the exclusion criteria is the article only form an abstract. Based on these criteria, 13 articles were obtained. As a result, several factors influence the use of electronic cigarettes (vape) among teenagers in Indonesia. These factors include knowledge, perception of e-cigarettes, support from friends and family, cigarette information/advertisement, ease of access to e-cigarettes, price of e-cigarettes, and lifestyle influencing adolescent behavior in using e-cigarettes (vape). There needs to be a policy from the government to regulate the use of e-cigarettes in Indonesia.

Second Hand Tobacco Smoke Exposure among Adults in an Urbanized Village in Delhi

Abstract Background: India contributes to the maximum of the world’s health burdens attributable to tobacco use. Exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) is also associated with adverse health effects, causing 1.2 million deaths worldwide each year. In Delhi, 28.0% had SHS exposure at public places. About one-fifth experienced exposure to SHS at workplace. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of SHS exposure among adults in an urbanized village in Delhi. Materials and Method: It was a community-based cross-sectional house-to-house survey conducted between January 2020 and June 2021 in Aliganj, an urbanized village in Delhi. A total of 490 residents ≥15 years were included using simple random sampling. The interview was conducted by the primary author using the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS). Each subject enrolled in the study was explicitly informed of the purpose of the study by the investigator and provided written informed consent before enrolment. Data were checked for errors, entered in Microsoft Excel, and analyzed in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Results: Of the 490 participants, 14.7% were exposed to SHS in their house and 16.1% were exposed to SHS outside the house in the last 1 month. The majority (85.3%) believed secondhand smoking is harmful, 6.5% disagreed, and the rest were unaware. Conclusion: Though most participants knew that exposure to SHS can cause serious illness, further awareness sessions need to be conducted to improve knowledge and understanding and reduce exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke in homes. Strict adherence to no-smoking policies should be implemented as per law to reduce exposure to SHS in public areas.