CONFERENCE PROCEEDING
A bundle of initiatives towards tobacco free internal environment
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Tobacco Control Program, Northern Borders Cluster, Northern Borders, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Publication date: 2024-10-17
Tob. Prev. Cessation 2024;10(Supplement 1):A33
ABSTRACT
Background:
The rising prevalence of tobacco use poses significant health risks, not only to users but also to non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke. In response to this public health crisis, a comprehensive bundle of initiatives comprising a series of health promotion activities has been developed to promote a tobacco-free environment in the Northern Borders region K.S.A. These initiatives aim to raise awareness, provide treatment options, and establish a structured approach to tobacco control.
Objectives:
The objectives of this study include establishing the first Kingdom-wide Tobacco Control Center, to create a centralized authority for coordinating tobacco control efforts and policies. Additionally, the study aims to implement the "5 Minutes are Enough" Initiative, which seeks to educate individuals on the harmful effects of tobacco and encourage cessation within a short timeframe. Another key initiative it to launch the "Attractive but Killer", designed to raise awareness about Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) and their health implications. Furthermore, the study proposes the development of the Prisoners Awareness Raising & Treatment Initiative, which aims to provide tobacco cessation support and education to incarcerated individuals. The "High Cost Initiative" will inform and educate both military and civilian personnel about the economic burdens associated with tobacco use. To engage younger audiences, the study introduces the "Doom Experience Initiative," which involves secondary and intermediate students in understanding the dangers of tobacco use through experiential learning. It also emphasizes the establishment of a continuous Physicians Training Initiative to equip healthcare providers with the necessary knowledge and tools to support tobacco cessation efforts. Moreover, the study encourages incentivizing and enhancing all tobacco control team members in the region to TTS certification, including the public health administration director. A competition initiative will focus on raising awareness and building capacity among primary healthcare physicians. The study also highlights the importance of World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) campaigns and campaigns utilizing social media platforms such as YouTube and WhatsApp, which will enhance community volunteer participation. Additionally, it suggests using poetry as a tool for tobacco cessation by creating songs for children and encouraging regional poets to write popular poems that highlight the health and social risks of tobacco use. Finally, the study acknowledges the obstacles to achieving a better quality of life and proposes a program to honor and celebrate individuals who have successfully quit smoking.
Methods:
Workshops, training sessions, and lectures were conducted for healthcare professionals, educators, and community leaders, as well as students at different educational levels, with appropriately tailored messages and topics to effectively disseminate information and strategies. Awareness campaigns utilized social media, posters, and community events to reach a broad audience, particularly targeting youth and workplaces. Support programs were established to create cessation support groups and resources in both prisons and workplaces. Additionally, educational materials, such as brochures, videos, and online content focusing on the risks of tobacco use and the benefits of quitting, were developed and distributed. Direct communication strategies were also employed.
Results:
Since 2013, there has been a continuous decrease in the prevalence of tobacco use in the Northern Borders, accompanied by increased awareness about the health risks associated with tobacco consumption among targeted populations. This heightened awareness has led to greater engagement in cessation programs, particularly among young individuals and employees across various sectors. The establishment of the Tobacco Control Center has further advanced these efforts by coordinating tobacco control activities and monitoring progress. Participants in training sessions have provided positive feedback, indicating an enhancement in their knowledge and preparedness to address tobacco use within their communities.
Conclusions:
The bundle of initiatives towards a tobacco-free internal environment represents a multifaceted approach to combat tobacco use. By addressing various demographics and utilizing diverse methods, these initiatives have the potential to significantly reduce tobacco prevalence and its associated health risks. Continued evaluation and adaptation of these programs will be essential to ensure their effectiveness and sustainability in promoting a healthier, tobacco-free kingdom.
The effectiveness of the evaluation process is demonstrated through several key metrics. Awareness and knowledge metrics assess cessation rates and include follow-up surveys to measure reductions in consumption, utilizing a 7-day point prevalence along with follow-ups at 3, 6, and 12 months to evaluate long-term cessation success. Behavioral metrics are also analyzed to understand changes in participants' habits. Engagement and participation metrics are tracked by monitoring attendance and program enrollment numbers, while institutional metrics provide insight into the overall performance and impact of the programs implemented.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
The author has no conflicts of interest to declare.
FUNDING
Funding is not provided.