Smoking in Nepal
In Nepal, the estimated number of tobacco smokers aged 15 years and older was approximately 3,095,366 in 2022, reflecting a noticeable decrease from previous years. In 2019, the number of smokers was recorded to be approximately 4,009,204. In 2022, the prevalence of smoking among males was 25.6%, while for females, it was 4.7%. This indicates a significant reduction from 2019, when the prevalence among males and females were 33.0% and 8.1%, respectively. The overall prevalence rate among adults in 2022 was 14.5%, down from 20.5% in 2019. The adult daily smoking prevalence in 2019 was 13.3%, with 20.7% among males and 6.7% among females. Smoking-related mortalities constituted 11.13% of all deaths in the country in 2021, with 12.65% of deaths among males and 9.2% among females. The total number of deaths attributable to smoking in 2021 was 28,110, with gender-specific figures of 17,869 among males and 10,241 among females. These statistics underscore the ongoing challenge of addressing tobacco smoking in Nepal, highlighting the need for effective public health strategies and regulatory measures.
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April 10, 2024 by tobaccoreporter.com
Nepal to Ban Vapes as ‘Tobacco’ Use Spikes
Nepal is set to prohibit e-cigarettes due to increasing youth use, with imports reaching 3.2 million in 2023. Despite studies suggesting vaping is safer than smoking, officials warn of equal harm. A survey reveals a rise in tobacco use, with 34.1% of Nepalese and varying percentages across age groups consuming tobacco, partly due to hookah and e-cigarette popularity. Researchers advocate for stricter enforcement of anti-smoking laws and increased public awareness to combat the issue.