2023 Study Reveals 251,000 Deaths Linked to Chewing Tobacco
A comprehensive analysis highlights chewing tobacco's severe health impact, particularly in South Asia, with 210,000 deaths reported in the region alone.
Chewing tobacco use caused an estimated 251,000 deaths globally in 2023.
South Asia accounted for 84% of these deaths, with a prevalence rate of 14.6%.
The health burden is concentrated in just ten countries, primarily India and Bangladesh.
A recent study conducted by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) has revealed that chewing tobacco contributed to approximately 251,000 deaths worldwide in 2023. The findings, published in The Lancet Global Health, indicate that South Asia is the most affected region, accounting for an alarming 210,000 of these fatalities, which represents about 84% of the global total.
This research forms part of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023 (GBD 2023), marking the most extensive evaluation of the health impacts associated with chewing tobacco to date. The study spans 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2023, distinguishing the health burden of chewing tobacco from other smokeless tobacco forms. Despite efforts to control tobacco use, the prevalence of chewing tobacco has remained relatively stable, with an estimated 241 million users globally in 2023, translating to a prevalence rate of 3.9%.
The analysis highlights that South Asia has the highest concentration of chewing tobacco users, with 14.6% of individuals aged 15 and older engaging in its use. Countries like Palau, Bangladesh, and Nepal report the highest prevalence rates. Furthermore, the study indicates that over 90% of the health burden related to chewing tobacco among males is concentrated in ten countries, including India and Bangladesh, while for females, the burden is primarily seen in India and Bangladesh.
The findings underscore the need for tailored public health strategies, as chewing tobacco use varies significantly by age and sex. In South Asia, nearly 20% of males and 10% of females are reported to use chewing tobacco. The study also identifies stroke and various cancers as significant health risks associated with chewing tobacco, with stroke being the leading cause of health loss globally.
As the global burden of chewing tobacco continues to rise, driven mainly by premature deaths, the study calls for a more integrated approach to tobacco control that addresses the unique patterns of use in different populations. Effective prevention and cessation strategies must consider the cultural, social, and economic factors influencing tobacco use to mitigate this growing public health crisis.
