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Public Health Issue: Tobacco use, particularly cigarette smoking, remains a leading cause of preventable death and disease in the United States and globally.

Prevalence:

• United States: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2020, an estimated 13.7% of adults (aged 18 years or older) in the United States currently smoke cigarettes. (Image of CDC Cigarette Smoking Among Adults in the United States graph [invalid URL removed])
• Globally: The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that tobacco use is responsible for over 8 million deaths globally each year. (Image of WHO Tobacco Fact Sheet Key Facts graph)

Monetary Costs:

Tobacco use not only impacts health but also creates a significant economic burden:

• US: In 2019, the CDC estimated the total economic cost of smoking in the United States to be $810 billion, including direct medical costs and productivity losses. (Source: CDC website on Smoking and Tobacco Use [invalid URL removed])

Causes and Influences:

• Addiction: Nicotine, the primary addictive substance in tobacco, creates dependence, making quitting difficult.
• Social and Cultural Factors: Peer pressure, social norms, and marketing can influence tobacco use initiation and continuation.
• Mental Health: People with mental health conditions are more likely to smoke tobacco as a coping mechanism.
• Knowledge Gaps: Misconceptions about the risks of tobacco use, particularly regarding new products like e-cigarettes, can contribute to continued use.

Advance Practice Roles and Management Strategies

• Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants: These healthcare providers can screen patients for tobacco use, educate them about the risks, and provide cessation counseling and medication support within a community setting.
• Community-Based Interventions: Programs offering smoking cessation resources, support groups, and educational workshops can be readily accessible and culturally appropriate.
• Policy Advocacy: Supporting policies that increase cigarette taxes, restrict tobacco advertising, and promote smoke-free environments can discourage tobacco use.

Community Resources

Positive Influences:

• Healthcare Providers: Doctors, nurses, and mental health professionals can play a crucial role in identifying tobacco use, promoting cessation, and connecting patients with appropriate resources.
• Community Health Centers: Public health clinics offer accessible smoking cessation services and counseling.
• Support Groups: Peer support groups provide encouragement and accountability for those trying to quit tobacco.

Negative Influences:

• Tobacco Industry: Tobacco companies use targeted marketing campaigns to lure new users, particularly among youth and young adults.
• Retail Availability: Easy access to cigarettes through convenience stores and gas stations makes quitting more challenging.
• Social Norms: In some social circles, tobacco use may be perceived as normal or even cool, hindering cessation efforts.

Changes and Enhancements in Community Services

• Increase Funding: Allocate more resources for community-based tobacco control programs, cessation resources, and education campaigns.
• Expand Access: Offer culturally sensitive smoking cessation services in multiple locations and languages within the community.
• Media Literacy: Implement educational programs to equip community members with skills to critically evaluate tobacco advertising and counter its influence.
• Youth Prevention: Focus on preventing tobacco use initiation by implementing school-based programs and promoting healthy alternatives.