Vaping, chewing tobacco: health risks lurk, awareness falls short
A recent survey shows low awareness of vaping and chewing tobacco in Pakistan, with urban areas more informed and youth particularly vulnerable.Summary
A recent Gallup Pakistan survey indicates that awareness of vaping and chewing tobacco remains low nationally, with only 17% of Pakistanis familiar with vaping and 20% with chewing tobacco products like zarda and snus. Urban areas demonstrate significantly higher awareness (26% for vaping, 66% for flavored tobacco among youth) compared to rural regions (12% for vaping). Approximately 1.2 million people in Pakistan use vapes. The survey reveals a gender gap in vaping use, with men (10%) more likely to vape than women (7%), and younger demographics exhibit greater awareness. A majority (71%) believe vaping poses similar health risks to cigarettes, with 43% considering vaping more harmful. Fashion and peer pressure are identified as key drivers of vaping's popularity among youth. The findings highlight a critical need for increased public health campaigns to address the risks associated with these products, particularly in rural areas and among vulnerable populations.
(Source：The Express Tribune)
