India Among 10 Countries Shouldering 90% of Global Chewing Tobacco Health Burden
A recent study highlights that India is one of the top nations facing the majority of health issues related to chewing tobacco.
Chewing tobacco is responsible for 251,000 deaths globally in 2023.
South Asia has the highest prevalence, with 14.6% of individuals aged 15 and above using chewing tobacco.
Over 90% of chewing tobacco-related health burdens occur in just 10 countries, including India.
A recent study published in The Lancet Global Health journal reveals that India is among the ten countries that collectively bear 90% of the global health burden associated with chewing tobacco. The research indicates that South Asia is the epicenter of this issue, with significant implications for public health in the region.
The study, part of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023, analyzed data from 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2023. It found that the global prevalence of chewing tobacco remains largely unchanged despite decades of tobacco control efforts. In 2023 alone, chewing tobacco contributed to an estimated 251,000 deaths worldwide, with the highest usage rates observed among individuals aged 60 to 64.
Lead author Gabriela Gil from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) emphasized that the burden of chewing tobacco is not uniformly distributed and is concentrated in a few countries. The study highlights that South Asia accounted for approximately 210,000 deaths related to chewing tobacco, representing about 84% of the global total. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for targeted public health interventions.
The findings also reveal that more than 90% of the health burden from chewing tobacco among men occurs in ten countries, including India, Bangladesh, and China. For women, the burden is similarly concentrated in countries like India, Pakistan, and Indonesia. The researchers noted that these figures reflect total deaths and disability, suggesting that larger populations may contribute significantly to the overall burden, even if their individual rates are not the highest.
Looking ahead, the researchers argue that effective prevention and cessation strategies must consider the diverse patterns of chewing tobacco use across different demographics and cultural contexts. Senior author Emmanuela Gakidou stated that a one-size-fits-all approach is inadequate for addressing the complexities of tobacco use. Tailored strategies that reflect local usage patterns and cultural factors are essential for reducing the health impacts of chewing tobacco in affected regions.
