Approaches for cessation and elimination of tobacco to atttain sustainable development goal
Ravikoti S, Bhatia V, Mohanasundari SK
Journal of family medicine and primary care · 2025-05
Abstract
Tobacco use remains a pervasive global health challenge, particularly affecting low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) like India, where it contributes significantly to preventable deaths and economic burdens. This comprehensive review synthesizes current literature from 2010 to 2024 using prominent databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, UpToDate, and Embase and extracted 49 full text article focused on tobacco prevalence, health impacts, and control measures in India, emphasizing the urgency of tobacco elimination to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs). The review includes data from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS 2), highlighting that 28.6% of Indian adults use tobacco, with variations by gender, urban-rural divide, and product preference. Tobacco use exacerbates health disparities, leading to chronic diseases such as cancer, respiratory conditions, and cardiovascular disorders. Moreover, tobacco compromises immune function, increasing susceptibility to infections like tuberculosis and COVID-19. Effective tobacco control strategies outlined include policy interventions, cessation programs integrating counseling and medication, international collaborations under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), and leveraging technological advancements like mobile apps and virtual reality for cessation support. This review highlights the importance of coordinated efforts to create a tobacco-free future in India and globally.