Empowering youth: Combating tobacco use through public health policies

By Sara Barada and Elsy Dumit

The rise of tobacco use among young people is a critical public health issue, highlighted by the increasing prevalence of tobacco use among youth and the alarming trend of adolescents adopting new alternatives like e-cigarettes and vapes. It is essential to shed light on this growing concern and stress the importance of robust public health policies in combating this issue.

The growing tobacco market

The global tobacco industry, encompassing traditional cigarettes and newer alternatives, is a massive market valued at USD 868 billion in 2022, projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.5% from 2024 to 2030. This worrying upward trend is reflected in the consumption of tobacco products, with around 37 million people between the ages of 13 and 15 using some form of tobacco. The situation is particularly alarming in the GCC region, where a survey revealed that a significant proportion of university students use vapes and e-cigarettes: 23% in the UAE, 27% in Saudi Arabia, and 13% in Qatar.

Factors driving increased tobacco use among youth

Several factors contribute to the increased use of tobacco and alternative products among young people. The primary factor is the targeted and largely unregulated advertising on social media, which presents e-cigarettes and vapes as safer and more attractive alternatives to traditional cigarettes. Additionally, despite age restrictions, these products remain easily accessible because retailers and tobacco vendors make it easy for youth to purchase them. The higher average incomes in the GCC region mean that price is not a significant barrier, allowing young people to acquire these products more easily and rendering some excise taxes ineffective in reducing demand.

Health risks associated with tobacco use

The health risks associated with tobacco use are well-documented, ranging from cardiovascular diseases to respiratory infections and cancers. Long-term users face particularly severe consequences, such as reduced lung capacity and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Beyond physical health, smoking is linked to mental health issues, including increased levels of anxiety, depression, and social isolation among youth. This is due to the addictive nature of nicotine and its impact on brain chemistry, as well as the social stigma associated with smoking.

A holistic approach to addressing tobacco use

Addressing this problem requires a holistic, systems-based approach. Effective strategies must extend beyond the health sector to include educators, parents and family members, community and religious leaders, policymakers, and others. Comprehensive policies that integrate health considerations into all areas of governance and decision-making are crucial, as seen in jurisdictions where Health in All Policies (HiAP) has been enacted in full force.

Person-centered models of care

The shift toward person-centered models of care is also crucial. Unlike traditional consumer-focused approaches, these models consider individuals holistically and do not view them solely as patients or as two-dimensional consumers of health. Interventions, including smoking cessation programs, must address each person's unique needs, lifestyles, and the wider determinants that impact their health status and drive them to become smokers. This person-centered view will help increase the effectiveness of cessation programs and related Population Health Management initiatives, ensuring they work not only at the community or population level but also for every individual involved.

Innovative digital tools and gamification

Innovative digital tools and gamification offer promising avenues for interventions. Virtual reality could be utilized in schools to vividly demonstrate the harmful effects of smoking—both inside and outside the body—providing an eye-opening experience for students. Gamified apps could encourage healthy behaviors, incentivizing users to reduce smoking or quit altogether and rewarding them once they do. These digital interventions could be particularly effective given the tech-savviness of younger generations.

Promoting longevity and healthy living

Tackling the tobacco issue is also intertwined with broader discussions about longevity and healthy living. Promoting lifestyle changes such as not smoking, engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy diet, and getting sufficient sleep are key components of a strategy that fosters a longer, healthier life. This approach not only aims to increase life expectancy but also health-adjusted life expectancy, which is arguably the more important metric.

Conclusion: A comprehensive approach is essential

In conclusion, protecting youth from tobacco and its alternatives demands a comprehensive approach that includes stringent regulations, community engagement, innovative digital tools, and a holistic view of individuals and their health and well-being. By creating an environment that discourages tobacco use and supports healthy lifestyles, significant progress can be made in reducing tobacco use and its alternatives among today’s youth and future generations.

Effective public health policies are crucial in this fight. Governments, health organizations, and communities must work together to implement and enforce regulations that limit the accessibility and appeal of tobacco products. Education campaigns targeting both youth and parents can raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco use and the deceptive marketing tactics of the tobacco industry.

Ultimately, the goal is to foster a generation of young people who are informed about the risks of tobacco use and empowered to make healthy choices. By taking a stand against Big Tobacco and prioritizing the health and well-being of our youth, we can build a healthier future for all.