Prevalence and Frequency of the Use of Nicotine Pouches and Its Association With Stress Amongst Students of Medical and Non-Medical Universities of Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Oral Nicotine Pouches (NPs) are one of the fastest-growing products among young adults, being actively marketed by companies through catchy advertisements. Owing to the easy availability and concealed usage, there is a high chance that these could become an addiction very soon. The objective of our study was to assess the prevalence of Nicotine Pouch consumption and its association with the perceived stress of an individual being a reason behind its usage. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted at various universities in Karachi, Pakistan. The study population comprised Undergraduate students aged between 18 and 25. Data were collected through self-administered forms. RESULTS The majority of the participants lied in the 20–21 age group and belonged to a medical field of study. 61.8% of the students were aware of this product, however, only 10.2% were active users of the Oral NPs. Moreover, the PSS scores indicated that females were overall more stressed than males. The mean PSS score was 19.637. CONCLUSION In conclusion, it is the need of the hour to raise awareness for such products as the youth is likely to try Oral NPs while being unaware of the potential harm it could bring with long-term use. Undergraduates must also be given guidance to help them cope with stress, which proves to be a significant risk factor associated with addiction to nicotine-containing products.

Knowledge, attitudes, practices, and prevalence of nicotine pouches in Pakistan: where do we stand?

“…This prevalence is higher than the prevalence noted in a previous study from year 2021 on NPs from Pakistan. 17 This shows a rising trend in NP use across the country. This can potentially be explained by the unethical marketing practices; companies are promoting them as safe; their campaign is unregulated by the government and the national celebrities are promoting this product on social media without checking its safety.…”

“…A study conducted by the Institute for Global Tobacco Control showed that 22% of tobacco vendors across 8 cities of Pakistan had 'Velo' products displayed at their stores and 13% of tobacco vendors had advertisements for 'Velo' posted at their point-of-sale. 17 The Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH) strongly appealed the government to curb the increasing addiction of NPs in the youth stating that it contained harmful chemicals that can cause heart ailments, cancer, kidney diseases, or stunted growth. 21,22 Therefore, it is imperative to take measures to address the rising issue of NPs addiction amongst our youth.…”