GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCH FOUNDATION
Policies to protect passive smokers are especially important for females, rural areas and people with lower education in Bangladesh
The risk of passive smoking is higher in residential homes and workplaces for females and rural populations, according to a new study led by Global Public Health Research Foundation.
A new study published in PLoS One led by Papia Sultana, the National Advisor at GPHRF, was a nationwide study based on data from nearly 10,000 people. The study found the prevalence of passive smokers was 74% in male and 26% in female. When investigating the correlates which contribute to increased risk of passive smoking, the study identified that more than one-fifth of passive smokers reported to be in residential homes or workplaces which allowed smoking. Furthermore, nearly 30% of passive smokers reported to be in environments with no policies regarding the use of tobacco.
The study findings also confirm the population most at risk of passive smoking to be females, rural populations, and those working in jobs which require a lower level of education. This demonstrates the importance of implementing policies to increase awareness of the adverse effects of smoking, and to control smoking behaviour in residential homes and workplaces to reduce passive smoking.
As the sixth highest country in prevalence of smoking in the world, Bangladesh is facing increased rates of smoking-related non-communicable disease morbidity and mortality. Given the high prevalence and related adverse effects, one of GPHRF’s key targets for research is tobacco control policies.
Read the latest PLoS One article: Tobacco control policies to promote awareness and smoke-free environments in residence and workplace to reduce passive tobacco smoking in Bangladesh and its correlates.