Was there any change in tobacco smoking among adults in Bangladesh during 2009–2017? Insights from two nationally representative cross-sectional surveys

ObjectiveThis study assessed the changes in prevalence and associated factors of tobacco smoking among Bangladeshi adults over time.DesignNationally representative cross-sectional surveys.SettingTwo most recent Global Adults Tobacco Survey (GATS) data from Bangladesh, carried out in 2009 and 2017.ParticipantsAdult population aged 15 and above (n=9629 in 2009; n=12 783 in 2017).Outcome measuresCurrent use of tobacco smoke, including cigarettes, bidi, hukkah, cigars or pipes, which was dichotomised (‘yes’/‘no’).MethodsWe analysed data from two recent rounds of GATS (2009 and 2017). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used.ResultsThe overall prevalence of tobacco smoking among Bangladeshi adults was noted (23.00%, 95% CI 22.98 to 23.00 in 2009; 16.44%, 95% CI 16.43 to 16.45 in 2017). Being male (adjusted OR (AOR)=59.72, CI 40.56 to 87.93 for 2009; AOR=71.17, CI 41.08 to 123.32 for 2017), age between 25 and 64 years (all AORs >2 and p<0.05), smoking permissible at home (AOR=7.08, CI 5.88 to 8.52 for 2009; AOR=5.90, CI 5.34 to 6.95 for 2017), and watching tobacco smoking product use in movie/drama scenes (AOR=1.26, CI 1.11 to 1.44 for 2009; AOR=1.34, CI 1.17 to 1.54 for 2017) were found to be significantly associated with increased tobacco smoking among adults both in 2009 and in 2017. However, being offered free tobacco sample products (AOR=0.66, CI 0.57 to 0.77 for 2009; AOR=0.87, CI 0.76 to 0.99 for 2017) and having primary, secondary or higher education (all AORs <1 and p<0.05) as well as being a student (AOR=0.16, CI 0.09 to 0.29 for 2009; AOR=0.32, CI 0.19 to 0.53) were associated with lower odds of tobacco smoking in both surveys.ConclusionsAlthough the prevalence of tobacco smoking has declined over the period, it is still high among those who were relatively older, men, less educated and exposed to a movie/drama where tobacco smoking is promoted. Therefore, appropriate interventions are required to stop tobacco smoking among the Bangladeshi population.

Pyrolytic Evaluation of Close-Grown Tobaccos

A pyrolytic method for evaluating the smoke properties of tobacco materials for their potential to produce biologically significant smoke phenols and PAH has been applied to close-grown tobacco, in comparison to conventionally grown tobacco. Analyses were performed on the lipids of tobacco samples to attempt correlations with amounts of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons in pyrolyzates. Relative to a standard flue-cured tobacco, the close-grown tobacco samples contained lower nicotine, neophytadiene and hydrocarbon levels, and lower sterols, solanesol and fatty acid levels. Close-grown tobacco pyrolyzates contained equivalent PAH levels and higher levels of phenols. Based on the pyrolysis data, the close-grown tobaccos do not offer a more desirable smoking product than conventionally grown flue-cured tobaccos. However, the lower levels of nicotine and higher amounts of smoke phenols may possibly make the close-grown materials suitable for inclusion into low-nicotine tobacco sheet products.

Tobacco as Potential Food Source and Smoke Material

Fraction I protein is the most abundant protein in tobacco and accounts for 50 % of its soluble protein. It is composed entirely of amino acids. Its specific nutritional value is comparable with milk and surpasses that of soybeans. During tobacco combustion, Fraction I protein may contribute to the formation of HCN and other undesirable nitrogenous constituents in smoke. It can be removed from harvested leaf tobacco through homogenized leaf curing (HLC) process to improve leaf quality and usability. Considering the total world tobacco production as a whole, Fraction I protein and other soluble proteins so recovered may provide enough food for millions of people. In addition, there will also be a better smoking product