Smokeless tobacco in Central Asia: working towards an effective regulatory framework for nasvai in Tajikistan
More details
Hide details
1
Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, International Legal Consortium, United States of America
2
Consumers Union of Tajikistan, Tajikistan
3
Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, International Research, United States of America
4
Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, International Advocacy, United States of America
Publication date: 2018-03-01
Tob. Induc. Dis. 2018;16(Suppl 1):A561
Download abstract book (PDF)
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Background and challenges to implementation:
Inadequate attention
has been paid to the significant harms arising from smokeless tobacco in
Central Asia, both from a public health and regulatory perspective. Nasvai or
nas is a finely ground, moistened dipping tobacco product found in Tajikistan,
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran and India. Studies show that nasvai contains high- and varying- levels of nicotine
and tobacco specific nitrosamines among other toxic constituents and
carcinogens, and increases risks of cancer and
cardiovascular disease. In Tajikistan, although cigarette prevalence is low
(under 10%), nasvai use is significantly higher (up to 60% among certain
populations). As far as we are aware, there are no examples of effective regulatory
measures.
Intervention or response:
For the first time, a
comprehensive tobacco control law that addresses nasvai use is being developed
through a collaborative effort between civil society and the Tajikistan
government. The
initial draft law proposed regulating nasvai alongside other tobacco products.
However, our legal analysis showed that measures developed to address
combustible tobacco in the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) may not
apply to nasvai regulation.
Results and lessons learnt:
Although
some FCTC measures may be effective, we identified significant challenges that
necessitate a novel regulatory approach. These include: lack of awareness that
nasvai is harmful, or a tobacco product; cultural acceptance of nasvai use; lack of a
formal market or industry; and the structure of the cottage industry. We assessed
potential risks that could arise from regulation, including inadvertently
attracting or creating a formal industry, and of nasvai users switching to
combustible products.
Conclusions and key recommendations:
Further
research into nasvai content, use and health harms is needed not only to enact
much needed regulation, but also to educate target audiences (government, consumers,
retailers, health professionals) and to develop cessation services. Our
findings will support the development of policies
that better address smokeless tobacco use in the region and beyond.
CITATIONS (1):
1.
Psychometric properties of Fagerström Tolerance Questionnaire among Turkmen Nass (Naswar) users
Bagher Pahlavanzadeh, Shohreh Kolagari, Kalan Ebrahimi, Ziyad Taleb, Kenneth Ward, Samane Zare, Abdurrahman Charkazi
Addiction Science & Clinical Practice