Anti-smoking initiatives in Abu Dhabi may not only prolong lives but also bolster financial resources, according to a recent study.
In a significant breakthrough for public health, a study conducted by researchers at UAE University, Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, and The Golden Helix Foundation estimates that smoking cessation programs in Abu Dhabi could generate a net benefit of approximately AED 8.35 billion and a return on investment (ROI) of more than 16 times the cost of these programs.
The study, which looked at the impact of smoking across seven nations - Pakistan, Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE - found that about 61 million adults in the region use tobacco, leading to about 384,000 premature deaths each year.
The analysis in the study considered savings from preventing diseases such as asthma, cerebrovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, lower respiratory infections, and various cancers. When considering programs for a "target population" of 268,869 smokers in Abu Dhabi, the study calculated that if Dh539.7 million is spent on quitting programs, the savings, added over the lifetime of the patients involved, will be Dh8.89 billion, resulting in a net benefit of Dh8.35 billion.
Dr Mohammed Harriss, a consultant pulmonologist, agrees that these smoking-cessation programs generate more financial savings than their costs. He suggests a combination of medication to manage cravings and behavioral support as the most effective approach for smoking cessation. He adds that when patients stop smoking, they often have fewer flare-ups and hospital visits, reducing the pressure on resources.
Dr Rachel Kaminski, another researcher involved in the study, highlights the cost-effectiveness of smoking cessation programs. At the smoking cessation clinics she is involved with, patients receive nicotine replacement treatment, cognitive behavioral therapy, and support therapy. She emphasizes the need for more smoking cessation treatments and clinics, stating that there is a "massive unmet need" in this area.
The study's findings come at a crucial time, as a report last year showed an urgent need to reduce smoking levels in the region. Data published by the World Health Organisation forecasts tobacco-related deaths to increase over the coming decades, including cases of lung and oral cancer, lung condition COPD, heart disease, and strokes, unless action is taken.
Dr Harriss also suggested that digital platforms and telehealth can support patients outside the hospital, making reminders and follow-ups easier and helping patients to stay on track. This approach can be easily scaled in a hospital setting, with brief advice, referral pathways, and trained staff built into routine care.
In conclusion, the study's findings underscore the significant economic and health benefits of investing in smoking cessation programs. With the potential annual savings per condition that result from these programs multiplying by the expected lifespan of the patient, the savings from the prevention of cases of asthma, cerebrovascular disease, COPD, heart disease, lower respiratory infections, lung and other cancers are substantial. The study's ROI ratio of more than 16 times the cost of the schemes demonstrates the strong economic case for investing in these programs.
- The study, involving researchers from UAE University, Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, and The Golden Helix Foundation, examined the impact of smoking across seven countries: Pakistan, Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
- Approximately 61 million adults in the region under investigation use tobacco, leading to about 384,000 premature deaths each year.
- The analysis in the study accounted for savings from preventing diseases such as asthma, cerebrovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, lower respiratory infections, and various cancers.
- For a "target population" of 268,869 smokers in Abu Dhabi, the study estimated that Dh539.7 million spent on quitting programs would result in savings of Dh8.89 billion over the patients' lifetimes, generating a net benefit of Dh8.35 billion.
- Dr Mohammed Harriss, a consultant pulmonologist, supports the financial savings generated by smoking-cessation programs, suggesting a combination of medication and behavioral support as the most effective approach.
- Dr Harriss also advocates for digital platforms and telehealth to support patients outside the hospital, making it easier for patients to stay on track.
- Dr Rachel Kaminski, another researcher in the study, underlines the cost-effectiveness of smoking cessation programs, urging for more treatments and clinics due to a perceived "massive unmet need" in this area.
- Last year, a report indicated an urgent need to reduce smoking levels in the region.
- Data published by the World Health Organisation predicts tobacco-related deaths to increase over the coming decades, including cases of lung and oral cancer, lung condition COPD, heart disease, and strokes, unless action is taken.
- The estimated total potential annual savings per condition resulting from the smoking cessation programs in the study are substantial.
- Emirates, Kuwait, and other nations in the studied region are grappling with the far-reaching effects of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) due to tobacco use.
- The study's return on investment (ROI) ratio of more than 16 times the cost of the smoking cessation programs demonstrates its strong economic case.
- In the world of personal finance, a strategic investment in smoking cessation programs can lead to returning more than 16 times the initial investment.
- Saudi Arabia is another country in the region facing the health and financial consequences of tobacco use and related chronic diseases.
- The study shows that addressing smoking cessation not only improves physical health but also boosts financial well-being.
- The data and cloud computing capabilities enabled by technology can streamline and enhance smoking cessation programs, making tracking progress and offering support more accessible.
- Mixed-martial arts and other sports can benefit from improved cardiovascular health resulting from smoking cessation, as athletes' performance and overall health improve.
- In the realm of education and self-development, understanding the causes and effects of smoking can empower individuals to make healthier lifestyle choices.
- People searching for ways to improve their lifestyle and health can find valuable resources about smoking cessation on the internet, as well as information about nutrition, fitness, and exercise.
- News outlets and social media platforms can help spread awareness about the dangers of smoking and the benefits of quitting, igniting conversations about health and personal growth.
- The study points to the importance of addressing chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, and respiratory conditions in a region where tobacco use is prevalent.
- The financial benefits of smoking cessation extend beyond immediate savings, as fewer flare-ups and hospital visits result in reduced pressure on medical resources.
- Jordan, Egypt, and Lebanon are among the countries in the region grappling with the devastating effects of tobacco use.
- In the realm of sports betting, a successful sports career can provide a stable source of income, supporting those who have quit smoking and focused on their health and well-being.
