Smokeless tobacco use in Nepal

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Tobacco Control

Background:

• Tobacco use, in various forms, is widespread across Nepal.
• Smokeless tobacco (SLT) use is deeply ingrained in different age groups and genders.
• There is a significant lack of comprehensive information on SLT use and its implications in Nepal.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review available SLT products in Nepal.
• To determine the prevalence and correlates of SLT use.
• To identify SLT-related harm, information gaps, and policy implications.

Main Methods:

• Literature review.
• Analysis of World Health Organization (WHO) and other relevant documents.

Main Results:

• High prevalence of smokeless tobacco use, particularly among males and disadvantaged populations.
• SLT users often engage in multiple tobacco habits (chewing, smoking, drinking).
• SLT products are manufactured locally in the unorganized sector and imported from India, with easy public access.

Conclusions:

• A general lack of awareness regarding SLT health hazards necessitates further research.
• Effective reduction of SLT use requires addressing enforcement challenges of the Tobacco Control Act.
• A multisectoral approach and capacity building beyond the health sector are crucial for successful tobacco control in Nepal.