Tobacco-Related Chronic Illnesses: A Public Health Concern for Jamaica

Abstract

<b>Background:</b> Tobacco use is a leading cause of preventable morbidity and mortality from non-communicablediseases. The objectives of the study were to determine the percentage of annual income used to purchasetobacco-related products and treat tobacco-related illnesses, and assess the characteristics of smokers and theirawareness of the health-related risks of smoking. <br/><b>Method</b>: Stratified and snowball sampling methods were usedto obtain information (via a 17-item, close-ended questionnaire) from 85 adult respondents (49 males and 36females). The instrument comprised of demographic characteristics, smoking behavioural/lifestyle, health, andmicro socio-economics. <br/><b>Results</b>: There were no significant differences between individuals who were affectedby chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) (14.1%) and cardiovascular disease (18.8%). It was foundthat respondents spend 30-39% of their annual income on tobacco-related products. Forty percent (40.0%) and41.7% of respondents with lung cancer and COPD respectively spend more than 50% of their annual incometo treat these diseases. The majority (80%) of those who continues to consume tobacco-related products wereuncertain as to why they were doing it. Not all the smokers were aware of the dangers of tobacco consumptiondespite their level of education. <br/><b>Conclusion</b>: The majority of the respondents who had tobacco-related illnessessuch as lung cancer and COPD spend a significant amount of their income on their health care. Not all thesmokers were aware of the dangers of tobacco consumption despite their level of education. This suggests theneed for increase public awareness where both smokers and non smokers are being fully or adequately informedabout the dangers or health risks of tobacco consumption.