Research Highlights the Absence of Gender Consideration in Tobacco Control Efforts
A recent study highlights the critical need to integrate a gender perspective into tobacco control research to improve cessation strategies and policy effectiveness worldwide.
As World No Tobacco Day approaches on May 31, recent research from York University and the Global Strategy Lab (GSL) underscores a significant gap in tobacco control research—the lack of a gender perspective. The study reveals that current research efforts rarely incorporate a detailed gender analysis, which is crucial because gender influences smoking behaviors and the effectiveness of tobacco policies. The paper, published in BMJ Tobacco Control, is the first in a series examining the intersection of gender and smoking behaviors worldwide.
Lead researcher Mathieu Poirier emphasizes that the tobacco research community often overlooks gender, despite its importance as a determinant of tobacco use. He explains that understanding gender-specific behaviors can enhance the development of targeted strategies for cessation and policy effectiveness. The study reviewed 43 peer-reviewed studies and found only five that specifically analyzed how tobacco control measures impact men and women differently.
This oversight has varying implications. For example, in Canada, while overall smoking rates are declining, current statistics show 14.8% of men and 10.2% of women smoke. Globally, over 20% of the world's population uses tobacco, with men constituting a larger share—36.7% compared to 7.8% of women, according to WHO data from 2020.
The researchers focused on cigarette smoking due to its prevalence and harm, noting that although vaping poses risks, combustible tobacco remains the leading preventable cause of death worldwide. Incorporating gender analysis into tobacco control policies can lead to more effective and equitable intervention programs, ultimately helping more smokers quit.
GSL plans to facilitate discussions on strengthening global tobacco control policies, recognizing that understanding gender differences plays an essential role in this effort. The study signifies a call to action for the research community to prioritize gender in tobacco and health policies, aiming for more inclusive and impactful solutions.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-lack-gender-lens-tobacco-stymie.html
Stay Updated with Mia's Feed
Get the latest health & wellness insights delivered straight to your inbox.
Related Articles
Harnessing Deep Learning for Personalized Cancer Treatment
Deep learning algorithms such as Flexynesis are revolutionizing personalized cancer treatment by integrating multi-omics data to improve diagnosis and therapy strategies. Learn how AI is shaping the future of oncology.
Potential Link Between Regular Opioid Use and Increased Dementia Risk
New research associates regular opioid consumption with a higher risk of dementia and brain volume reduction, emphasizing cautious opioid prescribing for chronic pain management.
Enhancing Lung Cancer Radiation Therapy by Modulating Gut Microbiome
New research suggests that modulating the gut microbiome with antibiotics like vancomycin can significantly improve radiation therapy outcomes for lung cancer patients, boosting survival and reducing recurrence.
Stopping HIV/AIDS Programs Could Lead to a 49% Rise in New Infections by 2030, Study Warns
A new study warns that ending federal funding for HIV/AIDS programs in the U.S. could lead to a 49% rise in new infections by 2030, emphasizing the importance of sustained support for prevention and treatment efforts.