Problems and Control of Tobacco Use

A strategic plan is meant to present a clear picture of where a community wants in the future, what it aspires to accomplish, the methods it will apply to succeed, as well as the measures it will use to monitor progress. This particular strategic plan aims at decreasing the prevalence of tobacco use among adults in the US. Its significant goals include giving an overview of the matter, providing a popularity history of tobacco use, the associated monetary costs, outlining the possible strategies to manage the issue, unfolding the community and social resources, as well as stating the enhancements required in the community-related services. Also, the plan intends to put into consideration related health issues like health literacy, socioeconomic factors as well as cultural differences.

The Health Issue

Tobacco use among adults has gained publicity as the leading cause of preventable mortality and morbidity in the US. The recognition of the adverse effects linked to tobacco usage commenced in the early 1940s. Until now, its hazardous impacts continue to affect many. According to the World Health Organization report, approximately 480,000 Americans die annually from tobacco-associated complications. A wide range of social, psychological, environmental, and genetic factors have been positively linked with the use of tobacco. These factors include race and ethnicity, gender, age, educational and income levels, geographic setting, and disability status. The social environment of an individual has a significant influence on an individual's motivation to start and continue smoking. Genetic factors are also known to play a vital role in this.

Besides, the report also claims that factors such as smoke-free protections, tobacco taxes, and prices, as well as implementations of effective tobacco prevention programs, all influence tobacco usage. Other factors include low self-image, exposure to promotional campaigns on tobacco use, the convenience of tobacco products, and the approval of tobacco use by peers. The knowledge gap surrounding tobacco use is both behavioral and medical. Also, new products derived from tobacco are periodically being introduced to the market. A significant portion of these raise controversies about the impact they have on people's health. For instance, there have been potential conflicting ideologies concerning the safety of e-cigarettes. Some studies say it is the safest tobacco product, while others claim it is not.

Prevalence of Tobacco Use

Studies have concluded that the increased deaths in the US and tobacco-related complications are a result of cigarettes and other consumer-targeted tobacco products. According to the data analyzed by the CDC, the cigarette is the most commonly used product among adults claiming 480, 000 lives annually. Referring to the data, the prevalence of current cigarette usage among adults was 15.5 percent. Notably, the prevalence was higher in males aged 25-64 years. American-Indians were reported with the highest affinity to smoking, with 28.7 percent. Also, adults with lower educational backgrounds reported a prevalence rating of 27.3 percent compared to those with higher educational attainment. Those with lower income reported a prevalence of 26.6 percent, while adults residing in rural areas had a prevalence of 18.2 percent compared to those in urban centers who had a prevalence of 12.4 percent.

Monetary Cost

The health costs linked to tobacco usage are high, and this represents a net loss to both the society and the country's economy. According to Hall, smoking-related complications cost more than 300 billion annually, inclusive of almost 170 billion used in direct medical care costs for adults, and 156 billion in loss of productivity.

Management Strategies

Preventing tobacco usage, along with assisting its users in quitting, can improve the quality of life for most Americans. The most effective strategy that will contribute to a change at the community level includes escalating the price of tobacco, endorsing ample smoke-free policies, reducing the tobacco promotion programs directed at children, and controlling the accessibility to tobacco products.

Additionally, promoting media campaigns meant to educate the public regarding health matters associated with tobacco use will help most people be health literate about this matter. In the same way, socioeconomic factors such as education and income levels, as well as the cultural differences, will be dealt with through the creation of awareness about the dangerous implications of tobacco.

Community and Social Resources

Some community and social resources can negatively or positively affect tobacco usage. For instance, peer group influence emerges to be the most potent social demographic factor motivating tobacco abuse. Similarly, acceptability and availability of tobacco products are amongst community resources that influence tobacco use. However, the introduction of anti-smoking programs can positively affect tobacco use in that it can reduce the rate at which people consume it.

Enhancements in Community-related Services

Most entities and individuals in the community play a particular role in responding to community health needs. An enhanced comprehensive approach is necessary to ensure maintenance and improvement of health issues. For instance, assessment of health needs, determining the required resources and assets to promote health, establishing and implementing a strategy for action, and identifying where responsibility ought to lie for a particular result are some of community improvement processes that need close and absolute consideration.

Conclusion

In summary, this plan intends to provide the current information concerning the abuse of tobacco in the US and provide the possible actions needed to curb this public health issue.