ASTRA: Addressing Smokeless Tobacco Use and Building Research Capacity in South Asia – Policy Work Stream
Objectives
The objectives of the study were addressed by the following research questions-
- What are the existing policies and legislation (tobacco control and others) relevant to the control of smokeless tobacco products globally, including manufacture, sale, use, import and export?
- What is the impact of the policies on smokeless tobacco use?
- What are the differential impacts of tobacco control policies (FCTC and non-FCTC) on smokeless tobacco consumption relative to smoking?
Methodology
Literature review was conducted in stages in correspondence to the research questions. During this stage, all smokeless tobacco (ST) control policies were identified from all around the world. In the final year of this project, meta-analysis, hypothesis testing, data analysis and submission of final manuscript were done
Results
Capacity building of Early Career Researchers. Mapping of smokeless tobacco (ST) policies being implemented globally and collation of evidence on the effectiveness of such policies in controlling its use as informed by the review. Identifying existing gaps in upstream measures for controlling the ST use. Assessment of FCTC and non-FCTC measures being implemented globally. Assessment of differential impact of tobacco control policies on controlling ST use in relative comparison with control of the smoked form of tobacco. This will help identify the gaps in prioritizing ST control policies