Discrepancies between Perception and Reality of Tobacco Use in Bangladesh: Psychological Disorders, Mental Illness, and Suicidal Risks
Tobacco consumption, in both smoking and smokeless forms, remains a significant public health concern in Bangladesh. However, there is a striking discrepancy between public perception and the actual impact of tobacco use, particularly regarding its psychological consequences. This study employs a...
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| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Liaquat National Hospital and Medical College
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Liaquat National Journal of Primary Care |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://journals.lnh.edu.pk/lnjpc/pdf/b5ae9387-7a71-4ab6-9ff2-2d4d306aa40a.pdf |
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| Summary: | Tobacco consumption, in both smoking and smokeless forms, remains a significant public health concern in Bangladesh. However,
there is a striking discrepancy between public perception and the actual impact of tobacco use, particularly regarding its psychological
consequences. This study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining survey data from 5,000 respondents across urban and rural
Bangladesh with a comparative analysis of global tobacco-related health outcomes. The results indicate that 42.6% of Bangladeshis
use tobacco, with 20.6% consuming smoking tobacco (e.g., cigarettes, bidis) and 22% using smokeless tobacco (e.g., jarda, gul,
sada pata). Despite widespread awareness of tobacco’s physical health risks—such as lung cancer and cardiovascular diseases—
only 38% of respondents recognize its significant impact on mental health, particularly depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.
Statistical analysis reveals that smokeless tobacco users in Bangladesh exhibit a 3.2 times higher risk of developing psychological
disorders compared to non-users. Unlike smoking, smokeless tobacco contains unregulated levels of carcinogenic nitrosamines and
heavy metals, leading to an increased risk of oral cancer, neurotoxicity, and heightened dependency. Cross-national comparisons
show that while countries like Sweden and the U.S. have successfully reduced smokeless tobacco consumption through stringent
regulations and awareness programs, South Asian nations—including Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan—report alarmingly high
prevalence rates, with over 25% of adults using these products. The economic burden of smokeless tobacco-related health issues in
Bangladesh is estimated at $1.85 billion annually, further exacerbating public health challenges. This study underscores the urgent
need for integrated tobacco control policies that extend beyond physical health to encompass psychological well-being. The stigma
surrounding mental health in Bangladesh often leads individuals to use smokeless tobacco as a coping mechanism rather than
seeking professional help. Therefore, a multi-sectoral approach—combining stricter regulation, targeted awareness campaigns, and
mental health interventions—is imperative to combat both tobacco addiction and its psychological repercussions. |
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| ISSN: | 2707-3521 2708-9134 |