Sreenivas P. Veeranki

Advancing Global Tobacco Control Sreenivas P. Veeranki

Tobacco use continues to be the leading cause of preventable death in the world. The disproportionate increase in tobacco use in low- and middle-income countries needs immediate attention. Approximately 90% smokers in the world begin smoking as adolescents and are most likely to become permanent smokers. Moreover, youth are highly targeted by tobacco industry strategies. A significant gap exists in literature to understand tobacco use and control in youth on a global level. In this work, a detailed comprehensive investigation is conducted using the Global Tobacco Surveillance System to identify several factors associated with tobacco use and control in youth. A number of modifiable factors have been identified for augmenting global tobacco control in youth. Well-executed anti-smoking campaigns, parental and peer anti-smoking education, inclusion of anti-tobacco education in school curricula, comprehensive smoke-free policies, and comprehensive ban on tobacco industry strategies are important approaches to prevent tobacco use and advance global tobacco control in youth.