Smokeless Tobacco Use Higher Among Pregnant Women in SE Asia

May.11.2022
Smokeless Tobacco Use Higher Among Pregnant Women in SE Asia
Pregnant women in Southeast Asia are more likely to use smokeless tobacco products, according to a study.

A study published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research reports that pregnant women in Southeast Asia are more likely to use smokeless tobacco products, such as chewing tobacco, than non-pregnant women.


The study analyzed survey data from 1.3 million women aged 15 to 49 from 42 low- and middle-income countries. Of these participants, 80,454 were pregnant women, whose tobacco use behaviors were compared to those of non-pregnant participants.


A research team has found that pregnant women "are 7% more likely to use smokeless tobacco than non-pregnant women". Dr. Radha Shukla, a doctoral student in the Department of Health Sciences at the University of York in the UK and one of the study's authors, said that the situation in Southeast Asia is the opposite of that in high-income countries, where the proportion of pregnant women using tobacco is lower.


Shukla stated that this is an issue of particular importance and it is necessary to develop tailored interventions to aid women in reducing or quitting tobacco use, especially during pregnancy due to its adverse effects on pregnancy. This not only includes smoking but also the use of smokeless tobacco, which is typically chewed, sniffed or used locally in the mouth.


Pregnant smokers should be provided with "quit smoking services that are easy to access and opt-out of.


The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) in the UK has suggested that financial incentives should be offered to pregnant women who are unable to quit smoking, in order to help them achieve their goal. The RCP has also advised that smokers should receive "quit-ready" smoking cessation services at any point of contact with the National Health Service (NHS). Additionally, the organization has stated that since most smokers are typically from "lower socio-economic groups," providing economic incentives to pregnant women could help motivate them to quit smoking.


These suggestions were put forward as part of a report released by the RCP, regarding what can be done to achieve the government's "Smoke-free 2030" target. However, recent data indicates that at the current rate, this target may not be achieved until 2050.


The ability of the United Kingdom and other countries to respond to significant public health challenges is unquestionable. The Covid-19 pandemic has presented the biggest new health challenge for the UK and the world in decades, prompting responses in both public health and economic spheres. Its scale is unprecedented in modern times, according to a report. However, in 2020, while Covid-19 killed approximately 80,000 British citizens, smoking killed 94,000 people.


Source: VapingPost


Pregnant women in Southeast Asia have a tendency to use smokeless tobacco, according to a report from Vaping Post.



Disclaimer

This article is provided solely for professional research, industry discussion, and informational purposes. Any references to brands, companies, products, technologies, or policies are made for factual reporting and analytical purposes only, and do not constitute endorsement, recommendation, promotion, or advertising by 2Firsts.

Nicotine-containing products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches, carry significant health risks. Readers are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions, including age restrictions and access limitations.

The information contained in this article should not be regarded as investment, legal, medical, regulatory, or commercial advice. While 2Firsts strives to ensure the accuracy and reliability of its content, it does not assume liability for any direct or indirect loss arising from errors, omissions, inaccuracies, or reliance on the information contained herein.

This article is not intended for individuals below the legal age for accessing tobacco or nicotine-related information in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright Notice

This article is either original content produced by 2Firsts or content reproduced, translated, summarized, or adapted from third-party sources with attribution where applicable. The intellectual property rights of the original content remain with 2Firsts or the respective original rights holders.

No individual or organization may copy, reproduce, distribute, republish, modify, translate, or otherwise use this content without prior authorization. Any unauthorized use may result in legal action.

For copyright-related inquiries, corrections, or removal requests, please contact: info@2firsts.com.

 

AI-Assisted Translation and Editing Notice

Portions of this article may have been translated, edited, or reviewed with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools to improve efficiency and readability. Due to the limitations of AI-assisted translation and editing, discrepancies, omissions, or inaccuracies may exist when compared with the original source.

Where applicable, readers are advised to refer to the original source for the most complete and accurate information. If you identify any errors or believe that any content infringes upon your rights, please contact us at info@2firsts.com, and we will review and address the matter promptly.

Imperial Brands Explains What the UK Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 Means for Retailers
Imperial Brands Explains What the UK Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 Means for Retailers
Imperial Brands has outlined what the newly approved UK Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 means for retailers. The legislation received Royal Assent on April 29, 2026, and gives the Government powers to extend tobacco-style regulation to a wider range of products, including vaping products, heated tobacco, nicotine pouches and cigarette papers. Imperial Brands emphasized that most measures will be introduced in phases rather than taking effect immediately.
May.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Delaware Tax Proposal Targets Vapes, Nicotine Pouches and Other Tobacco Products
Delaware Tax Proposal Targets Vapes, Nicotine Pouches and Other Tobacco Products
Delaware’s latest tobacco tax increase bill cleared its first House committee hurdle on April 22. Backed by House Speaker Melissa Minor-Brown, the bill would raise the cigarette tax from $2.10 to $3.60 per pack and increase taxes on moist snuff, vapor products and other tobacco products.
Apr.24 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Oral Thin-Film Technology Firm CTT Pharma Eyes U.S. Nicotine Product Trials
Oral Thin-Film Technology Firm CTT Pharma Eyes U.S. Nicotine Product Trials
CTT Pharmaceutical Holdings said it has signed a letter of intent with a U.S. company to conduct clinical trials and testing for several potential nicotine products using its patented oral thin-film technology.
Jun.18
From myblu to Zone: Imperial Brands Refocuses NGP Strategy in HY26
From myblu to Zone: Imperial Brands Refocuses NGP Strategy in HY26
mperial Brands’ HY26 results point to a more selective NGP transition. The company is using cash flow from traditional tobacco to fund targeted investments in modern oral nicotine, heated tobacco and reusable vaping systems. Its decision to exit the legacy myblu vaping business in the U.S., while expanding Zone nicotine pouches. In Europe, Imperial’s NGP growth is being driven by a multi-category portfolio including blu, Pulze and Zone/Skruf.
Special Report
May.12
FDA Tobacco Center Pushes Review-Efficiency Statement After Commissioner’s Exit
FDA Tobacco Center Pushes Review-Efficiency Statement After Commissioner’s Exit
FDA CTP issued a May 7 statement on accelerating product review and improving PMTA efficiency, but did not push it via official X and newsletter until May 13, one day after FDA Commissioner Marty Makary’s resignation was confirmed. FDA has not explained the delay, and no public evidence links it directly to the leadership change. The timing is notable given CTP’s usual 24-hour distribution practice.
Special Report
May.14
FDA Warns Retailers Over Unauthorized Nicotine Pouches Resembling Candy and Everyday Products
FDA Warns Retailers Over Unauthorized Nicotine Pouches Resembling Candy and Everyday Products
The FDA issued warning letters to eight retailers selling unauthorized nicotine pouches and dissolvable tobacco products resembling candy, breath strips and cough drops. The action highlights rising scrutiny of packaging, youth appeal and accidental ingestion risks, as the agency clarifies enforcement priorities for unauthorized ENDS and nicotine pouch products while maintaining PMTA as the legal market pathway.
Special Report
May.21