Tobacco use is a worldwide public health issue that impacts people, families, and societies. According to Capital Calling, a network of academic scholars and professionals, there has been a significant increase in the number of female smokers in Pakistan in recent years, with over 7% of women smoking on a daily basis.
According to the survey, the majority of female smokers in Pakistan live in rural areas (10%) and are less educated (12%).
According to the network, smoking exposes women to a variety of health hazards, including lung cancer, cardiovascular illness, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and respiratory infections. These illnesses drastically reduce the quality of life and can result in death.
Smoking is harmful to women’s reproductive health. It can cause fertility problems as well as pregnancy complications such as premature birth, low birth weight, and developmental abnormalities in infants. Furthermore, maternal smoking raises the likelihood of stillbirth and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Women smokers not only injure themselves, but they also endanger their families and children by inhaling secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke has been linked to a variety of respiratory disorders in children, including asthma, bronchitis, and ear infections.
The rising number of female smokers in Pakistan places a huge strain on the healthcare system. To treat smoking-related disorders, significant resources are required, including medical facilities, drugs, and healthcare personnel. The rising demand for healthcare services affects the healthcare infrastructure and finances, which are already stretched thin.
Smoking-related ailments frequently result in lower productivity, absenteeism, and higher healthcare expenses for companies. Women smokers who become unwell or require prolonged treatment may be unable to perform their professional duties, resulting in decreased work efficiency and economic losses for enterprises.
Also read: Smoking initiation among marginalized communities in Pakistan
Spending on tobacco products diverts resources that could be put to better use. The money spent on smoking not only impacts individual finances but also has an impact on the economy as a whole. It diminishes household savings and limits investment options, both of which could boost economic growth.
The government should establish and enforce tighter tobacco control laws, such as greater tobacco product levies, graphic health warnings on packaging, and total prohibitions on cigarette advertising, promotion, and sponsorship. These policies can both deter new smokers and encourage current smokers to quit.
