Plenary Session 3

Abstract :
Problem:

Tobacco smoking and tuberculosis represent a significant global public health concern. Smoking stands as a potent risk factor for TB. Extensive scientific research underscores smoking’s substantial role in TB, amplifying the risk of infection, mortality, treatment relapse, heightened clinical severity, and delays in both diagnosis and treatment. According to the WHO, the eradication of smoking could potentially reduce TB rates by up to 20%. Thus, there is a pressing need to prioritize concerted efforts in integrating TB and tobacco control strategies to address this critical issue.

Methods:

The Union’s ABC (Ask, Brief Advice, Cessation Support) approach has been integrated into regular TB services at selected TB clinics in Indonesia, India, Bangladesh, and China to promote smoking cessation among TB patients. During each visit, all patients were asked about their current smoking status. Following the determination of smoking status, brief advice was consistently offered at each visit. Personalized information was provided, emphasizing the benefits of quitting smoking for proper recovery from TB. Additionally, cessation support was extended, advising patients to refrain from smoking indoors and informing their family and friends about their decision to quit smoking.

Results:

The provision of brief advice lasting 5 to 7 minutes yielded impressive smoking cessation rates in India (67%), Bangladesh (82%), China (66%), and Indonesia (67%). Notably, in Indonesia, over 85% of TB patients ensured their homes were smoke-free by the end of their TB treatment, compared to only 18% at the beginning of treatment. It’s noteworthy that these results were achieved without incurring any additional costs to TB control programs.

Conclusion:

Effective tobacco control and smoking cessation initiatives within TB control efforts play a vital role in advancing the goal of ending TB. Incorporating smoking cessation as a key element of TB control programs is essential for achieving this objective.