Burden of tobacco in Nepal: a systematic analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study 1990–2017

OBJECTIVE: This study systematically reviews the data extracted from the Global Burden of Disease Study and sets out to assess the age-specific and sex-specific mortality and disability attributable to different forms of tobacco from 1990 to 2017, for Nepal. DESIGN: This cross-sectional study extracted data from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation’s Global Burden of Disease database, then was quantitatively analysed to show the trends and patterns of prevalence of tobacco use, deaths and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) attributable to tobacco use from different diseases from the year 1990 to 2017 in Nepal. SETTING: Nepal. RESULTS: In between 1990 and 2015, the age-standardised prevalence of daily tobacco smoking decreased by 33% in males, 48% in females and 28% in both. By 2017, the age-standardised mortality rate and DALYs attributable to tobacco use, including any form, decreased by 34% and 41%, respectively, with tobacco smoking having the most contribution. However, the absolute number of deaths and DALYs increased by 39% and 3%, respectively. An increasing rate of deaths and DALYs attributable to tobacco was noted with an increase in age. Non-communicable diseases were responsible for most deaths and disabilities attributable to tobacco use. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of smoking along with the age-standardised mortality rate and DALYs shows a decreasing trend. However, attention should be made to implement a strong plan to control all forms of tobacco including secondhand exposure.