Upscaling a behavioural intervention program for tobacco use cessation - A randomised controlled study.

A randomised control trial was conducted among school teachers in Bihar, India for upscaling a tested, evidence-based tobacco intervention using train-the-trainer model. Six blocks in three districts were selected and randomised into intervention and control blocks. Cluster coordinators in intervention blocks were given training in the details of intervention. Cluster coordinators routinely train headmasters and they were asked to include intervention training in their routine. Except for the training material, no additional resources were provided to cluster coordinators and headmasters. Headmasters implemented the intervention along with the teachers in the school. Post-intervention random sample of 70 schools out of 219 schools from intervention blocks and 70 schools out of 224 schools in control blocks were surveyed. The survey was self-administered among 429 school teachers in intervention schools and 331 among control schools. For all 140 headmasters, the survey was interviewer administered. Almost all headmasters in intervention schools had attended the training and had involved teachers in the intervention program. Odds ratios for carrying out the recommended activities in intervention schools compared to control schools were very high and significant. In addition, intervention schools also conducted activities such as including intervention messages in classroom teaching and conveying them to parents, activities that were not directly recommended in intervention program. Thus, this train-the-trainer model demonstrated that it is possible to upscale the intervention programs successfully with the resources within the system.

Systematic review of determinants and interventions of areca nut cessation: curbing a public health menace.

BACKGROUND: Areca nut (AN) is a proven human carcinogen and a global public health menace. There is yet no review providing comprehensive information on the determinants and interventions available for cessation of AN. This systematic review was aimed at summarizing the available literature on drivers and interventions for cessation of AN chewing habit and to highlight the research lacunae. METHODS: A systematic literature search (from 1990 till March 2021) was conducted for studies on AN cessation. Relevant data were extracted independently by two authors. RESULTS: A total of 16 studies were included, which highlighted the influence of socio-cultural factors, addictive nature of AN and withdrawal symptoms as barriers to quitting. However, the knowledge of ill-effects of AN use on health, absence of concurrent alcohol use or smoking and family pressure were associated with likelihood of AN cessation. The interventions utilized for AN cessation have been behavioural in majority of the studies except for one where antidepressants were used for this purpose. CONCLUSIONS: The current review emphasizes the imperative need of appropriate cessation strategies for AN chewing habit including enhancing awareness of the harmful effects and research into additional behavioural and pharmacologic cessation therapies to control this significant public health problem.

Oral Cancer Risk Assessment for Different Types of Smokeless Tobacco Products Sold Worldwide: A Review of Reviews and Meta-analyses.

Smokeless tobacco (SLT) use is a significant cause of lip and oral cavity cancers. Globally, oral cancer prevalence is strongly linked to the types of tobacco products used, their chemical composition, and their pattern of use. Except snus, all SLT products sold in different World Health Organization regions are strongly associated with oral cancer incidence. Shammah showed the highest association OR with 95% confidence intervals (CI; OR, 38.74; 95% CI, 19.50-76.96), followed by oral snuff (OR, 11.80; 95% CI, 8.45-16.49), gutkha (OR, 8.67; 95% CI, 3.59-20.93), tobacco with betel quid (OR, 7.74; 95% CI, 5.38-11.13), toombak (OR, 4.72; 95% CI, 2.88-7.73), and unspecified chewing tobacco (OR, 4.72; 95% CI, 3.13-7.11). Most SLT products containing high levels of carcinogenic tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNA) exhibit a high risk of oral cancer. There is an urgent need to frame and implement international policies for oral cancer prevention through legal control of the TSNA levels in all SLT product types. PREVENTION RELEVANCE: Most smokeless tobacco products sold worldwide, mainly shammah, toombak, gutkha, betel quid with tobacco, and dry snuff, are associated with a high risk of oral cancer. A high concentration of tobacco-specific nitrosamines in smokeless tobacco products is the major causative factor for oral cancer development.

Prevalence of smoking and smokeless tobacco use during breastfeeding: A cross-sectional secondary data analysis based on 0.32 million sample women in 78 low-income and middle-income countries.

Background: Smoking and smokeless tobacco use during the postpartum period is well studied in high-income countries, whereas low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) lack evidence. Methods: In this cross-sectional study we used data from the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) and Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS) conducted in 78 LMICs between January 2010 and December 2019 to study tobacco use among 0.32 million sample lactating women. Age-standardized prevalence of smoking and smokeless tobacco use was estimated and presented with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI) for 78 LMICs. Pooled estimates overall and by WHO regions were obtained using random-effects meta-analyses. Country-level and community-level variance to understand contextual factors was also quantified using multilevel modelling. Findings: Pooled prevalence of any tobacco use among breastfeeding women in LMICs was 3.61% (95% CI 3.53-3.70); with the lowest prevalence in regions of the Americas (1.44%, 1.26-1.63) and the highest in the Southeast Asia region (6.13%, 6.0-6.27). The pooled prevalence of tobacco smoking was reported to be 1.16% (1.11-1.21), with the highest prevalence in the Eastern Mediterranean region (4.27%, 3.88-4.67) and the lowest in the African region (0.81%, 0.76-0.86). The pooled prevalence of smokeless tobacco use was reported to be 2.56% (2.49-2.63), with the highest prevalence in the Southeast Asia region (4.92%, 4.80-5.04). Illiterate and poor women in LMICs bore the enormous burden of tobacco use. Interpretation: The prevalence of smoking and smokeless tobacco use among lactating women in LMICs varied considerably across different WHO regions. Considering the cross-sectional design of the study, caution is required while interpreting the results. To improve mothers' and children's health and nutrition outcomes and reduce health inequalities in LMICs, reducing tobacco use through evidence-based interventions is critical. Funding: None.

Risk Reversal of Oral, Pharyngeal and Oesophageal Cancers after Cessation of Betel Quid Users: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Areca nut (AN), the principal ingredient of betel quid (BQ) has been categorized as a human carcinogen associated with various cancers of upper aerodigestive tract. However, there has been no attempt at summarizing the risk reversal of oral and other cancers after cessation of BQ with or without tobacco (BQ+T/BQ-T). OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effect of cessation of betel quid without tobacco (BQ-T) and with tobacco (BQ+T) on reversal of the risk of oral, pharyngeal and oesophageal cancers. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted for publications evaluating risk of these three cancers among current and former users of BQ-T or BQ+T. The overall as well as subgroup meta-relative risks (meta-RR) were estimated using random-effect models. RESULTS: A total of 14 studies, seven each providing estimates for BQ-T and BQ+T, were identified. For BQ-T and oral cancer, a 28.9% risk reversal was observed among former users (meta-RR 5.61, 95% CI 2.24-14.04) compared to current users (meta-RR 7.89, 95% CI 3.90-15.98). A risk reversal of 48% was noted for pharyngeal cancer - former users (meta-RR 2.50, 95% CI 1.43-4.38), current users (meta-RR 4.81, 95% CI 2.05-11.30). For oesophageal cancer, no appreciable difference in risk was observed between current and former users.For BQ+T and oral cancer the overall meta-RR indicated a higher risk in former than in current users. However, sensitivity analysis including only better-quality studies showed a modestly lower cancer risk in former than in current users. Compared to current users, the risk in former users who quit less than 10 years ago (meta-RR 1.21, 95% CI 0.90-1.63) was increased, but decreased in former users who quit more than 10 years ago (meta-RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.48-1.07). CONCLUSION: Our analysis highlights for the first time the potential of risk reversal for oral and pharyngeal cancers following cessation of BQ-T and for oral cancer in long-term quitters (greater than 10 years) of BQ+T. The suggestive evidence from this systematic review further supports the imperative need of a strong policy to reduce the initiation of BQ use and inclusion of interventions for BQ cessation in cancer control efforts especially in geographic regions where BQ chewing is prevalent.

Tobacco use among urban slum dwellers attending a cancer screening clinic in the National Capital Region of India: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Tobacco consumption in India varies based on the place of residence (urban/rural). Minimal, exclusive information exists regarding the same for 'urban slum' dwellers. The current study determines the tobacco use pattern among such individuals in Noida, Uttar Pradesh (India). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the urban slum residents visiting the institutional clinic between December 2016 and June 2019. Apart from tobacco history, routine recording of the basic demographic details and oral visual examination was carried out for the participants. For categorical data, the percentage of different parameters was calculated and for quantitative data, descriptive statistics were calculated. Chi-square or Fisher's exact tests were employed to determine the association between the two categorical variables. To find the strength of association between tobacco use and the socio-demographic factors, univariate and multivariable binary logistic regression was used. RESULTS: Among 2,043 urban slum respondents (602 male, 1441 female), 15.0% (n = 308) currently consumed tobacco. The majority were smokeless tobacco (SLT) users (among both males and females). Among males, khaini (42.1%) and gutkha (32.5%) and among females gul (36.1%) were the most widely used tobacco products. CONCLUSION: The majority of the Noida urban slum population attending the screening clinic consumed SLT. Gender variation in the tobacco form and product-specific consumption patterns indicates that the undertaking of urban slums-specific surveys is essential. Tobacco control programmes must incorporate appropriate strategies addressing such subgroups of tobacco users.

Areca nut consumption with and without tobacco among the adult population: a nationally representative study from India.

OBJECTIVE: Areca nut is one of the most widely consumed substances globally, after nicotine, ethanol and caffeine and classified as carcinogenic to humans. This study examines the disparity and determinants of areca nut consumption with and without tobacco in India. DESIGN: Nationally representative cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: We used the nationally representative Global Adult Tobacco Survey 2016-2017. The analytical sample size was 74 037 individual's aged 15 years and above with a response rate of 92.9%. MEASURES: Current consumption of areca nut without tobacco and with tobacco. METHOD: We examined determinants of areca nut consumption (without tobacco and with tobacco) using multinomial logistic regression, accounting for the survey design. RESULTS: About 23.9% (95% CI 23.1 to 24.8) of the adult population consume areca nut, that is, approximately 223.79 million people in India; majority of users (14.2%-95% CI 13.5 to 14.9) consumed areca nut with tobacco. When compared with women, men were more likely to consume areca nut (with tobacco relative risk (RR)=2.02; 95% CI 1.85 to 2.21 and without tobacco RR=1.13; 95% CI 1.07 to 1.20). Age, marital status, education, occupation, caste, religion and region were significantly associated with areca nut consumption. However, the direction and magnitude of association differ with respect to the areca nut consumption with and without tobacco. CONCLUSION: The ongoing tobacco control efforts would not address the majority of areca nut users until greater attention to areca nut consumption with and without tobacco is reflected in health policies in India.

Tobacco Use Among the Youth in India: Evidence From Global Adult Tobacco Survey-2 (2016-2017).

BACKGROUND: Worldwide, tobacco use is a serious public health concern affecting the youth. A vast majority of tobacco users start using tobacco well before the age of 18 years which has enormous psychosocial and health effects. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of individual forms of tobacco usage among youth aged 15 to 24 years and to assess the association of sociodemographic factors with tobacco use. METHODS: The source of data was a cross-sectional GATS-2 survey in India (analysed using SPSSv17.0) which used a multistage, geographically stratified cluster sampling method. Bivariate analysis was done for evaluation of the possible association of tobacco use with sociodemographic factors. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the relative strength of association between those factors and tobacco use. RESULTS: There were 13 329 respondents (44.9% males and 55.1% females) aged 15 to 24 years. Overall, 11.9% of respondents were using tobacco. The prevalence of smoke and smokeless tobacco usage was 5% and 10.9%, respectively, whereas 2% of respondents reported dual usage. The odds of using any form of tobacco were significantly higher among respondents aged 20 to 24 years (odds ratio [OR]: 2 [1.76-2.77]) who were primarily residing in rural areas (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.36 [1.2-1.54]) and were unmarried (aOR: 1.56 [1.37-1.88]). The odds of using any form of tobacco were significantly lower among females (aOR: 0.21 [0.19-0.24]), literate individuals (aOR: 0.33 [0.29-0.37]), and those who were unemployed/students/homemakers (aOR: 0.44 [0.39-0.50]). CONCLUSIONS: The overall tobacco usage of 11.9% among young people in the age group of 15 to 24 years is a matter of concern. The study identified several sociodemographic factors significantly associated with tobacco use, implying the need for designing interventions considering social vulnerabilities of youth.

Patterns and related factors of bidi smoking in India.

INTRODUCTION: Bidis are the most commonly smoked tobacco product in India. Understanding bidi smoking is important to reducing overall tobacco smoking and health-related consequences in India. We analyzed 2009-2010 and 2016-2017 Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) India data to examine bidi smoking and its associated sociodemographic correlates and perceptions of dangers of smoking. METHODS: GATS is a nationally representative household survey of adults aged ≥15 years, designed to measure tobacco use and tobacco control indicators. Current bidi smoking was defined as current smoking of one or more bidis during a usual week. We computed bidi smoking prevalence estimates and relative change during 2009-2010 and 2016-2017. Used pooled multilevel logistic regression to identify individual-level determinants of bidi smoking and neighborhood-level and state-level variations. RESULTS: Overall, 9.2% and 7.7% of adults smoked bidis in India during 2009-2010 and 2016-2017, respectively, reflecting 16.4% significant relative decline. In pooled analysis, male, older age, rural residence, lower education level, lower wealth index, less knowledge about harms of smoking, and survey year were associated with increased odds of bidi smoking. Results also showed variance in odds of smoking bidis is associated with neighborhood (15.9%) and state (31.8%) level. CONCLUSIONS: Higher odds of bidi smoking were found among males, older age groups, and among those with lower socioeconomic status. Accordingly, health education interventions designed for these groups across India and other population-level interventions, such as WHO recommendation on increasing price on tobacco products, could help reduce bidi smoking. In addition, state/neighborhood-specific interventions could also help address differential bidi smoking across India.

Smokeless tobacco control in India: policy review and lessons for high-burden countries.

We examined the magnitude of smokeless tobacco (SLT) use in India and identified policy gaps to ascertain the priorities for SLT control in India and other high SLT burden countries in the Southeast Asia region. We reviewed and analysed the legal and policy framework to identify policy gaps, options and priority areas to address the SLT burden in India and lessons thereof. In India, 21.4% adults, including 29.6% of men, 12.8% of women, use SLT while more than 0.35 million Indians die every year due to SLT use. SLT use remains a huge public health concern for other countries in the region as well. Priority areas for SLT control should include: constant monitoring, increasing taxes and price of SLT products, strengthening and strict enforcement of existing laws, integration of SLT cessation with all health and development programmes, banning of advertisement and promotion of SLT, increasing age of access to tobacco up to 21 years, introducing licensing for the sale of SLT, standardising of SLT packaging and preventing SLT industry interference in the implementation of SLT control policies besides a committed multistakeholder approach for effective policy formulation and enforcement. SLT control in India and the other high SLT burden countries, especially in the Southeast Asia region, should focus on strengthening and implementing the above policy priorities.

Dual Burden of Smoked and Smokeless Tobacco Use in India, 2009-2017: A Repeated Cross-Sectional Analysis Based on Global Adult Tobacco Survey.

INTRODUCTION: The dual use of smoked and smokeless tobacco (SLT) poses a serious challenge to tobacco control efforts. This article examines the trends and patterns of this usage in India during the period 2009-2010 and 2016-2017. METHODS: Data from two rounds of nationally representative cross-sectional Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) conducted in 2009-2010 and 2016-2017 have been used. Dual use was assessed based on current smokers and SLT users in both rounds. RESULTS: Findings reveal that dual use in India has dropped from 5.3% during 2009-2010 to 3.4% during 2016-2017, a decline of nearly 10 million dual users. However, some states have added nearly 4.6 million new dual users during this period. While dual use continues to remain high in rural areas, there has been a manifold increase in urban areas. Findings revealed that intention to quit tobacco was lower among dual tobacco users as compared to single users with considerable difference between urban and rural areas. CONCLUSION: Easy availability and affordability of SLT products compared to smoking products and restrictions on smoking in public places may have pushed current smokers and dual users to take to or intensify their SLT consumption. Measures relating to awareness, pricing, taxation, and enforcement of tobacco control laws should focus on all forms of tobacco, especially targeting high dual burden in rural and urban settings. IMPLICATIONS: Dual form of tobacco users represent 12% of all tobacco users in the country. The study reveals that intention to quit tobacco among dual users is significantly lower than that among single tobacco product users. This requires improving public awareness about the morbidity and mortality that arises from the use of all forms of tobacco products. Efforts to restrict the availability of tobacco products should focus on licensing the sale of all tobacco products. Reduction in dual tobacco use will not only result in multiplied health benefits but also help in achieving the Non-Communicable Diseases targets under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Chemistry, metabolism and pharmacology of carcinogenic alkaloids present in areca nut and factors affecting their concentration.

Areca Nut (AN), the seed of tropical palm tree Areca catechu, is a widely chewed natural product with estimated 600 million users across the world. Various AN products, thriving in the market, portray 'Areca nut' or 'Supari' as mouth freshener and safe alternative to smokeless tobacco. Unfortunately, AN is identified as a Group 1 human carcinogen by International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Wide variation in the level of alkaloids, broadly ranging from 2 to 10 mg/gm dry weight, is observed in diverse variety of AN sold worldwide. For the first time, various factors influencing the formation of carcinogenic alkaloids in AN at various stages, including during the growth, processing, and storage of the nut, are discussed. Current review illustrates the mechanism of cancer induction by areca alkaloids in humans and also compiles dose-dependent pharmacology and toxicology data of arecoline, the most potent carcinogenic alkaloid in AN. Careful monitoring of the arecoline content in AN can potentially be used as a tool in product surveillance studies to identify the variations in characteristics of various AN sample sold worldwide. The article will help to generate public awareness and sensitize the government bodies to initiate campaigns against AN use and addiction.

Trends in tobacco consumption in India 1987-2016: impact of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

OBJECTIVES: We describe national and subnational trends in tobacco use over three decades in India, assess the impact of the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) on them and draw inferences for regional tobacco control policy. METHODS: Data from nine cross-sectional surveys conducted between 1987 and 2016 were analysed. Time trends in gender- and state-wise prevalence were derived for different forms of tobacco. To assess Framework Convention's impact, relative changes in tobacco prevalence before and after its implementation were estimated. Progress towards global noncommunicable diseases target was also measured. RESULTS: Post-implementation of the FCTC, smoking and smokeless tobacco use declined by 52.9% and 17.6%, respectively. The tobacco product mix (exclusive smokeless/exclusive smoked/dual) underwent a reversal from 37:52:11 in 1987 to 65:22:13 in 2016. Having achieved 20.5% relative reduction since 2009, India is en route to achieving the global noncommunicable diseases target. CONCLUSIONS: Steep declines in tobacco use have followed the implementation of FCTC in India. However, the impact has been unequal on smokeless and smoked forms. Tobacco-control policies in high smokeless burden countries should take cognizance of this pattern and design comprehensive and flexible policies.

Smokeless tobacco control in 180 countries across the globe: call to action for full implementation of WHO FCTC measures.

Smokeless tobacco is consumed by 356 million people globally and is a leading cause of head and neck cancers. However, global efforts to control smokeless tobacco use trail behind the progress made in curbing cigarette consumption. In this Policy Review, we describe the extent of the policy implementation gap in smokeless tobacco control, discuss key reasons on why it exists, and make recommendations on how to bridge this gap. Although 180 countries have agreed that the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control is the best approach to control the demand and supply of smokeless tobacco, only 138 (77%) Parties define smokeless tobacco in their statutes. Only 34 (19%) Parties tax or report taxing smokeless tobacco products, six (3%) measure content and emissions of smokeless tobacco products, and 41 (23%) mandate pictorial health warnings on these products. Although awareness of the harms related to smokeless tobacco is growing in many parts of the world, few Parties collect or present data on smokeless tobacco use under global or national surveillance mechanisms (eg, Global Tobacco Surveillance System and WHO STEPwise). Only 16 (9%) Parties have implemented a comprehensive ban on smokeless tobacco advertisement, promotion, and sponsorships. Globally, a smaller proportion of smokeless tobacco users are advised to quit the use of smokeless tobacco products compared to tobacco users. Use of smokeless tobacco is becoming a global cause of concern, requiring a greater commitment on the full implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control measures.

Risk of Coronary Heart Disease Among Smokeless Tobacco Users: Results of Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Global Data.

Background: Use of smokeless tobacco (SLT) products has been linked to multiple adverse effects, especially precancer and cancer of oral cavity. However, the association of SLT use with risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) is shrouded with controversy due to conflicting results in the literature. The present meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the risk of CHD among adult ever-users of SLT products along with sub-group analysis. Methods: The analysis included studies retrieved from a systematic literature search for published articles assessing risk of CHD with SLT use. Two authors independently extracted risk estimates and study characteristics of the included studies. Summary relative risks were estimated using the random-effect model. Results: Twenty studies from four WHO regions were included in the analysis. The summary risk of CHD in SLT users was not significantly positive (1.05, 95% CI = 0.96 to 1.15) although a higher risk of fatal CHD was seen (1.10, 95% CI = 1.00 to 1.20). The risk was significant for users in European Region (1.30, 95% CI = 1.14 to 1.47). The results remained unchanged even after strict adjustment for smoking. Product-wise analysis revealed a significant positive association of fatal CHD with snus/snuff use (1.37, 95% CI = 1.14 to 1.61). The SLT-attributable fraction of fatal CHD was calculated to be 0.3%, highest being for European region (5%). Conclusion: A significant positive association was detected between SLT use and risk of fatal CHD, especially for European users and those consuming snus/snuff. In view of the positive association even after strict adjustment for smoking, these results underscore the need for inclusion of cessation efforts for smokeless tobacco in addition to smoking for control of fatal cardiovascular diseases. Implications: The present meta-analysis demonstrates a global perspective of association between coronary heart disease (CHD) and use of smokeless tobacco (SLT), especially for fatal cardiac events, even with strict adjustment for smoking. There appears to be some difference in this effect based on the type of SLT product used. These results highlight the independent deleterious effect of SLT products on the outcome of CHD and might help to resolve the long-standing controversy regarding the association of SLT with the risk of CHD. Hence, we propose that in addition to smoking, cessation efforts should be directed towards SLT products as well, for control of cardiovascular diseases.

Association of Smokeless Tobacco Use and Oral Cancer: A Systematic Global Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Smokeless tobacco products have been linked to precancerous and cancers of oral cavity for long. Evidence was available on the association between smokeless tobacco (SLT) products and oral cancers at regional but not at global level. Present meta-analysis is aimed to evaluate the risk of oral cancer with the use of SLT products among "ever" versus "never" users. METHOD: Studies published for the period (1960-2016) are retrieved using Pubmed, Indmed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar search engines for the subject "ever" versus "never" users of SLT products and estimated the risk association with oral cancer. Summary odds ratios (relative risk) are estimated and meta-analysis was performed using random-effects model. RESULTS: Thirty-seven studies from four of six WHO regions, Southeast Asia region (SEAR), the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR), Europe, and region of Americas (North and South) are included in the analysis. Significant risk with SLT products with oral cancer was found for SEAR (4.44, 95% CI = 3.51 to 5.61) and for EMR (1.28, 95% CI = 1.04 to 1.56). Significantly higher risk (p < .001) was found for females (5.83, 95% CI = 2.93 to 11.58). Product wise analysis for different SLT products revealed various levels of risk viz. gutkha (8.67, 95% CI = 3.59 to 20.93), pan tobacco / betel liquid (7.18, 95% CI = 5.48 to 9.41), oral snuff (4.18, 50% CI = 2.37 to 7.38), Mainpuri tobacco (3.32, 95% CI = 1.32 to 8.36), and snus (0.86, 95% CI = 0.58 to 1.29). CONCLUSION: A significant positive association was observed between SLT use and the risk of oral cancer, in SEAR, EMRs, and among women users. IMPLICATIONS: The present meta-analysis demonstrates SLT product use and the risk of oral cancer at global level. Moreover, the present analysis provided data on the risk associated with individual SLT product. The results fulfil the gap in the data on independent effect of individual SLT product use on the outcome of oral cancer at global level, conclusively. Chewing SLT products was associated with higher risk of oral cancer than other types of SLT. This can serve as a useful tool for policy makers in forming strict policies in controlling SLT menace. Hence, we propose that in addition to smoking, efforts should be directed towards SLT product cessation as well in reducing oral cancer incidence.

Smokeless Tobacco Use is "Replacing" the Smoking Epidemic in the South-East Asia Region.

Background: The sustained anti-tobacco campaign initiated in response to the mounting evidence against tobacco smoking has driven tobacco companies and smokers to look for alternative choices, such as smokeless tobacco (SLT) products. If this strategy advances, it could undermine several gains made by the campaign over the years. Our objective was to examine the trends in the prevalence of different tobacco types in three countries (Bangladesh, India, and Nepal) of South-East Asia. Methods: Data from national surveys were used to estimate the trends of weighted and age-standardized prevalence (along with 95% CI) of different tobacco products. The share of each tobacco type was then calculated as a percentage of total tobacco use for each time point and country. Results: In all the three countries, smoking prevalence declined (by 6% in Bangladesh, 3% in India, and 7% in Nepal) but SLT use increased (by 3% in Bangladesh, 6% in India, and 4% in Nepal) over the study period. SLT use increased irrespective of whether the total tobacco use increased or decreased. The share of SLT as a percentage of total tobacco use increased from 15% to 19% among Bangladeshi men, from 46% to 61% in India, and from 29% to 41% in Nepal. Conclusions: In South-East Asia, a clear shift in the product preference from smoking to SLT was noted. Misleading advertising by tobacco companies may be responsible for the increase in the SLT prevalence, which is as harmful as smoking. Countries should strengthen policies to restrict SLT usage and prevent the rise of its use. Implications: It has been documented that the smoking prevalence has been declining in most countries of the South-East Asia region where effective anti-tobacco laws have been implemented. But, due to a number of factors, the prevalence of smokeless tobacco has been increasing steadily, making the entire anti-tobacco movement less effective in terms of reducing the tobacco-attributable disease burden. In this context, this study has provided a detailed comparative analysis of the prevalence of smokeless tobacco use and smoking in three countries of the SEAR where such data were available. It can be clearly seen that the preference for smoking has shifted towards the smokeless tobacco in all the three study countries. This study recommends that tobacco control interventions should be aligned with the changing dynamics of the tobacco epidemic, and the need of the hour is placing restrictions of smokeless tobacco use so as to drive forward the gains of the anti-tobacco movement.

The changing face of risk factors for non-communicable disease in Myanmar: findings from the 2009 and 2014 WHO STEP Surveys.

BACKGROUND: Myanmar is burdened with the dual problem of communicable and non-communicable diseases (NCD), and is constantly endeavoring to attain its health objectives with limited resources. This study compares the results for the 2009 and 2014 WHO STEPs surveys (the 'stepwise' approach to adult risk factor surveillance) in Myanmar to determine the change in NCD risk factors over time. METHODOLOGY: The proportion of individuals with major NCD risk factors such as current tobacco and alcohol consumption, <5 fruit/vegetable servings, physical activity, raised blood pressure (BP) and overweight and obesity from the year 2009 (n = 6414) and year 2014 (n = 8757) WHO STEP surveys were compared for the age group 25-64 and relative changes (RC) calculated. RESULTS: Tobacco and alcohol consumption has increased significantly (25 and 49% RC, respectively) over the years. Individuals with low fruit/vegetable consumption (<5 servings) have declined (4.3% RC) and physical activity has increased significantly (46.5% RC). The prevalence of overweight, obese and hypertensive individuals has reduced significantly during this period with a RC reduction of 18, 28 and 20%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Reductions in some NCD risk factors are encouraging but control of tobacco use and alcohol consumption requires more stringent policies in order to prevent NCDs in the future.