Implications of nicotine vaping products for tobacco control in ASEAN low-income and middle-income countries: in-depth interviews with experts from the region

ObjectivesThe use of nicotine vaping products (NVPs) has increased in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region; however, it is uncertain what implications the presence and use of NVPs have for tobacco control.DesignIn-depth interview...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:BMJ open 2023-09, Vol.13 (9), p.e073106-e073106
Main Authors: Stubbs, Thomas, White, Victoria, Yong, Hua-Hie, Toumbourou, John W
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Data analysis
Data collection
Electronic cigarettes
Harm reduction
High income
Industrialized nations
Interviews
Low income groups
Marketing
Minors
Nicotine
Qualitative research
Smoking and Tobacco
Smoking cessation
Social networks
Social responsibility
Software
Systematic review
Tobacco industry
University students
Vaping
Young adults
Citations: Items that this one cites
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:ObjectivesThe use of nicotine vaping products (NVPs) has increased in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region; however, it is uncertain what implications the presence and use of NVPs have for tobacco control.DesignIn-depth interviews were conducted to explore ASEAN tobacco control experts’ (n=11) views on the rise of NVP use in ASEAN LMICs, current NVP policies, the potential harm reduction and smoking cessation utilities of these devices, and what implications they may have for tobacco control. Data were analysed using inductive, reflexive thematic analysis.ResultsFive themes emerged: (1) NVPs threaten tobacco control in ASEAN LMICs; (2) commercial factors influence youth appeal and access: product attributes, marketing, supply chains; (3) opposition to the smoking cessation and harm reduction utilities of NVPs; (4) policies are inconsistent and fragmented in the region; and (5) tobacco industry power and tactics have been used to capture NVP markets.ConclusionsASEAN tobacco control experts believe that NVPs pose a threat to youth and non-smokers in LMICs in the region, largely because of tobacco industry NVP marketing activities. They do not support the use of NVPs for smoking cessation or harm reduction and call for more restrictions and consistent policy enforcement across the region to protect young people, while also cautiously recognising that use of NVPs may have some benefits for smokers.
ISSN:2044-6055
2044-6055
DOI:10.1136/bmjopen-2023-073106