Study highlights growing use of heated tobacco products among youth

A study published in an international journal highlighted the use of heated tobacco products (HTP) amongst Pakistani youth, underscoring the need for addressing gaps in knowledge about these new potentially harmful products. The study titled ‘Heated Tobacco Products — Well Known or Well Understood? A National Cross-Sectional Study on Knowledge, Attitudes and Usage in Pakistan’ was published in the BioMed Central (BMC) Public Health journal. The study was conducted by Aga Khan University’s section of pulmonary and critical care in collaboration with Jinnah Medical and Dental College. About their impact on human health, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention-US says that while more research is needed to understand their short- and long- term health effects, the use of any type of tobacco product—including heated tobacco products—is harmful. “They are especially harmful for youth, young adults, and pregnant women, as well as adults who do not currently use tobacco products. HTPs have not been scientifically shown to help smokers quit,” the study reads.