Burden, prevention and control of tobacco consumption in Nepal: a narrative review of existing evidence

Abstract

Tobacco consumption is one of the major public health problems in the world. Annually, 27 100 premature deaths are attributed to tobacco-related diseases in Nepal. Despite enacting different policies and strategies, the prevalence of tobacco consumption is still high. This study aims to synthesize prevalence, factors associated with its consumption and the policy initiatives for prevention and control in Nepal. This review includes peer-reviewed studies retrieved from two databases (PubMed and EMBASE) and published from 2000 to 2018, and policy initiatives on tobacco prevention and regulations in Nepal. A total of 32 studies and 5 policy documents were reviewed. Findings suggest that tobacco consumption was higher among men, illiterates, older people, people living in rural and mountainous areas and those who initiated smoking as adolescents. Peer pressure and parental/family smoking were major contributing factors for tobacco initiation. Policy analysis showed that low excise tax, weak monitoring mechanisms, poor compliance to bans on the advertisement and promotion of tobacco, smoke-free zones and insufficient programs on tobacco cessation were the major factors behind weak implementation of tobacco-control policies. Hence, targeted and high-risk group tobacco-cessation interventions, increasing taxation and strict policy implementation are crucial for effective tobacco prevention and control in Nepal.

Prevalence and determinants of non-communicable diseases risk factors among reproductive-aged women of Bangladesh: Evidence from Bangladesh Demographic Health Survey 2017-2018

“…The findings of our study were in line with the findings of a similar nationwide survey held in Nepal [36]. The high prevalence of smokers was reported commonly among women aged 40+ years, living in a rural area, illiterate, widowed/divorced, and with lower socio-economic status, which is similar to other studies [36–39]. Similar to previous studies, a three-fold higher prevalence of smoking among aged (30-40 years), divorced, and illiterate might be a reflection of coping strategies, and smoking might be an option to overcome their loneliness [40].…”

Nicotine Dependence and Periodontal Status among Tobacco Users in a Dental Hospital of Kathmandu Valley

“…Also, males were three times more likely to smoke than females. 12 Nicotine is an addictive substance that induces pleasure thereby reducing stress and anxiety. 13 When nicotine is inhaled through tobacco smoke, it enters the circulation rapidly through lungs and moves into the brain within few seconds.…”

Comparison of common predictors of current cigarette smoking among adolescents: Across South East Asian countries

“…Globally almost one-third of the adult population (933 million) smoke daily (1,2). Smoking causes non-communicable diseases (NCDs), mainly cardiovascular diseases (CVD), cancers, and lung diseases, making it a significant public health threat (1,3). There are 1.2 billion smokers globally, of which more than 50% are young people (4,5).…”