Prevalence and determinants of dual and poly-tobacco use among males in 19 low-and middle-income countries: Implications for a comprehensive tobacco control regulation

Despite their implications for tobacco control, data on concurrent dual (using two tobacco products) and poly-tobacco use (using more than two products) are relatively scarce globally. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of dual and poly-tobacco use among men in 19 low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) and assess potential associations with individual and country level factors. Data from 19 LMICs were obtained from the most recent wave of the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS), collected between 2015 and 2016 comprising 235,975 men aged 15–49 years. The prevalence of current single, dual and poly-tobacco use were estimated using available sample weights. Mixed-effect multilevel models were used to estimate associations of individual and country level factors with tobacco use. Results showed that the prevalence of dual or poly-tobacco use among men was highest in Timor Leste (27.1%), Nepal (18.3%), Lesotho (13.2%) and India (9.3%). Factors associated with dual and poly-tobacco use were older age, low academic achievement, low income status, being divorced, living in urban areas and high frequency of media use. Among country-level characteristics, national wealth was not associated with dual and poly-tobacco use. Implementation of MPOWER measures was inversely associated with single tobacco use; this was not the case for dual and poly-tobacco use. Findings suggest that dual and poly-tobacco use are common among men especially in South-East Asian countries. This study highlights the need for MPOWER measures to be expanded and strengthened to address all tobacco products and explicitly consider dual and poly use

The association of migration with multiple tobacco product use among male adults in 15 low- and middle-income countries

Little is known about the impact of migration on tobacco use patterns among men in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study aims to explore the association between migration and tobacco use among men in LMICs. We used multilevel regression models to analyze data of 154 425 men from 15 countries from the latest wave of the Demographic and Health Survey. Results showed higher risk of single tobacco product use [relative risk ratio (RRR) = 1.22; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.19–1.26], but importantly of dual (RR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.36–1.49) and poly-tobacco use (RR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.57–1.86) among migrant men compared with non-migrants

Global Patterns and Prevalence of Dual and Poly-Tobacco Use: A Systematic Review

INTRODUCTION: Improving understanding of the epidemiology of dual and poly-tobacco product use is essential for tobacco control policy and practice. The present study aimed to systematically review existing epidemiologic evidence on current dual and poly-tobacco use among adults globally. METHODS: We systematically searched online databases for studies published up to June 30, 2020. We included quantitative studies with measures of nationally representative prevalence of current dual or poly-tobacco use among adults. Prevalence estimates for each country were extracted manually and stratified by WHO regions and World Bank income classifications. RESULTS: Twenty studies with nationally representative prevalence data on current dual or poly-tobacco use in the adult population across 48 countries were included. Definitions of dual and poly-tobacco use varied widely. Prevalence of dual and poly-tobacco use was higher in low- and lower-middle-income countries compared to other higher-income countries. Current dual use of smoked and smokeless tobacco products among males ranged from 0.2% in Ukraine (2010) and Mexico (2009) to 17.9% in Nepal (2011). Poly-tobacco use among males ranged from 0.8% in Mexico (2009) and 0.9% in Argentina (2010) to 11.4% in the United Kingdom and 11.9% in Denmark in 2012. Dual tobacco use was generally higher in South-East Asia; poly-tobacco use was prevalent in Europe as well as in South-East Asia. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first systematic review of the prevalence estimates of dual and poly-tobacco use among adults globally. The results of the current study could significantly help health policy makers to implement effective tobacco control policies. IMPLICATIONS: This study demonstrates that dual/poly-tobacco use is common in many countries of the world, and highlights the need for in-depth exploration of this field in future studies, especially in high prevalence regions such as South-East Asian and European countries. In light of this, the global tobacco control community and health authorities should also agree upon a consistent operational definition of dual and poly-tobacco use to propel research and improve surveillance of dual/poly-use in health surveys for better communication and understanding of these phenomena

Adaptation of a Couple-Based HIV Intervention for Methamphetamine-Involved African American Men who have Sex with Men

In the U.S., incidence of HIV infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) has steadily increased since the 1990s. This points to a need for innovation to address both emerging trends as well as longer-standing disparities in HIV risk and transmission among MSM, such as the elevated rates of HIV/STIs among African American MSM and methamphetamine users. While couple-based sexual risk reduction interventions are a promising avenue to reduce HIV/STI transmission, prior research has been almost exclusively with heterosexual couples. We sought to adapt an existing, evidence-based intervention—originally developed and tested with heterosexual couples—for a new target population consisting of African American MSM in a longer-term same-sex relationship where at least one partner uses methamphetamine. The adaptation process primarily drew from data obtained from a series of focus groups with 8 couples from the target population. Attention is given to the methods used to overcome challenges faced in this adaptation process: limited time, a lead investigator who is phenotypically different from the target population, a dearth of descriptive information on the experiences and worldviews among the target population, and a concomitant lack of topical experts. We also describe a visualization tool used to ensure that the adaptation process promotes and maintains adherence to the theory that guides the intervention and behavior change. The process culminated with an intervention adapted for the new target population as well as preliminary indications that a couple-based sexual-risk reduction intervention for African American, methamphetamine-involved male couples is feasible and attractive

What counts as reliable evidence for public health policy: the case of circumcision for preventing HIV infection

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>There is an ongoing controversy over the relative merits of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized observational studies in assessing efficacy and guiding policy. In this paper we examine male circumcision to prevent HIV infection as a case study that can illuminate the appropriate role of different types of evidence for public health interventions.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>Based on an analysis of two Cochrane reviews, one published in 2003 before the results of three RCTs, and one in 2009, we argue that if we rely solely on evidence from RCTs and exclude evidence from well-designed non-randomized studies, we limit our ability to provide sound public health recommendations. Furthermore, the bias in favor of RCT evidence has delayed research on policy relevant issues.</p> <p>Summary</p> <p>This case study of circumcision and HIV prevention demonstrates that if we rely solely on evidence from RCTs and exclude evidence from well-designed non-randomized studies, we limit our ability to provide sound public health recommendations.</p