NICOTINE POUCHES “SNUS” USED BY THE UNIVERSITY EMPLOYEES AND STUDENTS IN LAHORE PAKISTAN: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Introduction: Sachets and pouches of “oral nicotine” manufactured by cigarette companies such as Philip Morris, producer of Marlboro, and British American Tobacco, owner of the former Souza Cruz, are being sold clandestinely to Pakistan’s on Instagram. These products contain synthetic nicotine, can be addictive, and are marketed in Flavors such as mint, peppermint, and citrus, which makes them more attractive to young people. Among the posts and advertisements for nicotine sachets identified in the report on Instagram, sales profiles publish content that attempts to promote these products as a “healthier” alternative for those seeking to quit e-cigarettes, as well as claims that they reduce anxiety and even improve athletic performance, citing figures such as Film and Media Legends.

Methods and Materials: This is an analytical observational study of a cross-sectional and quantitative nature, involving sample representative from the population adult of employees of higher education institution in the Lahore Division, Pakistan. The research followed a deductive logic given the phenomenology of the study on Nicotine Pouches, its causes and repercussions. The participants were aged between 18 and 75 years old. Sample size was through stratified probabilistic sampling of 476 employees, being 289 workers of the areas of services administrative and 187 of the academic services.

Results: Nicotine Pouches prevalence (16%) was slightly higher than Pakistan’s national average (≈13%). Most employees were female and from rural areas, suggesting that urban exposure was not the only determinant of Nicotine Pouches. Education levels were high, but awareness of Nicotine Pouches harms did not fully translate into behavior change.

Discussion: Although there is a higher prevalence of Nicotine Pouches in high-income populations. The association between the condition economic condition and the dependence in cigarettes overcome   the positions held by university staff and students, so that the latter is the most significant risk factor.²⁰ In counterpart to the results obtained, the direct relationship found between holding an administrative position and increased Nicotine Pouches. Administrators occupied space between positions with a lower prevalence of smokers, as well as members of the armed forces and professionals in the arts and sciences. Conclusion: Eliminating Nicotine Pouches is a challenge for all of civil society. Actions must be individualized and to take in account factors involved in the etiology from the addiction. From this mode, local governments, as well as the private sector, must promote social development, with better income distribution, quality of employment and education for the most exposed families the practice of Nicotine Pouches. In addition to offer structure to treatment from the dependence of Nicotine pouches, as well as their complications.