Tobacco use and COVID-19 in Ghana: generating evidence to support policy and practice

Abstract

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has affected over 45 million people and caused over a million deaths globally. Tobacco use, a threat to public health worldwide, increases the risk of developing severe COVID-19 disease and death. The hand-to-mouth action, smoking-induced lung diseases, and the sharing of tobacco products such as water pipes, increase a smoker's vulnerability to COVID-19. Implementation of tobacco control efforts in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) including sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is a particular challenge. The aim of this study in Ghana was to produce evidence to support governments to make informed policy decisions about tobacco control interventions in the context of COVID-19. Methods A survey with key stakeholders (conducted online or via face to face interview) and a desk-based mapping of data sources including government reports and online print press. Face-to Face interviews followed the COVID-19 precautionary protocols. Results 40 stakeholders participated in the interviews (28 online and 12 face-to-face). 46 data sources were identified from the mapping of which 16 were eligible for data extraction. Over two fifths of survey respondents (42.9%, n=12) agreed that the relationship between COVID-19 and tobacco use had been discussed in the media, and over half (57%, n=16) reported that public health professionals and other authorities had provided advice to tobacco users during the pandemic. While respondents (89%, n=25) did not see a change in the level of interest in tobacco cessation, less than a quarter (23%, n=6) indicated that the policy response to COVID-19 included a focus on tobacco control issues, but was limited to tobacco cessation. The majority of respondents (77%, n=31) reported a perceived limited impact on the tobacco industry's operations during the pandemic. Conclusions COVID-19 provides a timely opportunity to strengthen tobacco control efforts by recognizing the role of tobacco use in potentially exacerbating covid-19 health outcomes and promoting cessation.

Strengthening tobacco control policies during the COVID-19 pandemic in India

“…In a study by Singh A et al, interviewees noted that lockdown restrictions offered an opportunity to promote cessation, in the context of reduced tobacco sales. 11 Our survey findings also emphasize that messages on ill effects of tobacco use and its impact on COVID- 19 should be widely disseminated. In a multicentric study by Pettrigew S et al, it was observed that smokers with intention to quit within 2 weeks rose to 38% from 32% after being exposed to messages about smoking related COVID-19 risk.…”

“…Given the important role played by the media and formal education in discouraging smoking behaviour, these media messages could be used more intensively in disseminating relevant information on the dangers of smoking. 11 …”