Gender Analysis Lacking in Tobacco Control Research, Experts Warn

As World No Tobacco Day approaches on May 31, researchers from York University's Global Strategy Lab (GSL) have released findings indicating a significant gap in gender analysis within tobacco control research. This oversight may hinder the development of effective strategies aimed at helping smokers quit.

The study, published in *BMJ Tobacco Control*, marks the beginning of a series of publications focused on gender and smoking. According to the researchers, gender is a critical factor influencing tobacco use and the effectiveness of tobacco control policies. However, the current research landscape largely overlooks this aspect.

Mathieu Poirier, an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Health at York University and Director of GSL, emphasized the need for a gender lens in tobacco control research. He stated that understanding gender differences is essential for evaluating the effectiveness of interventions and addressing specific smoking behaviors associated with different genders.

The research team, which includes Poirier, Tina Nanyangwe-Moyo, and Laura R Pereira, analyzed 43 peer-reviewed studies on tobacco control. They found that while some studies made basic comparisons between genders, only five examined the specific impacts of tobacco control policies on men and women.

Nanyangwe-Moyo expressed concern over the insufficient incorporation of gender in peer-reviewed research, underscoring the importance of recognizing how smoking behaviors differ among men and women globally for the formulation of effective policies and cessation programs.

The current study builds upon existing work by the Global Strategy Lab regarding smoking and global policy. In Canada, smoking rates have declined; however, the latest statistics indicate that 14.8% of men and 10.2% of women still smoke. On a global scale, over 20% of the population uses tobacco, with the World Health Organization reporting that 36.7% of men and 7.8% of women were tobacco users in 2020.

The researchers focused specifically on cigarette use due to its prevalence and the associated health risks. Poirier noted that while vaping has its own set of harms, combustible tobacco remains the leading preventable cause of premature mortality and morbidity.

To further discuss enhancing tobacco control measures worldwide, GSL is organizing a discussion on May 29 at 10 a.m. EDT. Additional details and registration information can be found on their website.