Health, Economic and Legal Implications of Smoking Tobacco - Research Paper Example

Introduction At the present age, an important percentage of the world population is made up of smokers. Per CDC statistics, tobacco use led to almostsix million deaths in 2011, a statistic enough to suggest that smoking is an issue that affects people’s health. Smoking and socio-economic group are strongly connected and has lead to the establishment of inequalities between social classes. For instance, smoking has been identified as the greatest cause of preventable illness and premature death in the UK, with the survival rate being reduced by a significant number of years when comparing a smoker and a non-smoker (Adam 2005, p.1). According to ASH, smoking is the root cause for more than half of the people in danger of early death among social classes (Ash 2012, p.1). It has been proven that people who start smoking quite early are from poor social groups, which make them long-term smokers and contributes to premature deaths. Appropriate measures must be taken regarding this issue in order to deal with it effectively. Complications associated with smoking tobacco has necessitated the need for in-depth analysis of the situation and monitoring of effects to the society. It is for this reason that the following paper seeks to illustrate the effects of smoking tobacco to the society, and measures taken through health and social care programs. The paper will focus on the health, economic and legal implications of smoking tobacco. In addition, suggested solutions to the smoking menace will be highlighted Definition of Terms Population – This refers to any collection of individuals who are of interest in a scientific query, where their number may be finite or infinite. Sample – is sub-set of cases or a representative group taken from a larger population in order to draw conclusions on the entire set Data –This constitutes raw transcripts and notes obtained directly from the source Information – constitutes of processed data, which has been analyzed and is ready for presentation. Error – describes a level of inaccuracy attributed by challenges facing the research, making the results differ on application to the real world. Variable – measurable aspect of a theory that assumes different value or change in value among the subjects in a sample. Sampling – process of selecting sub-set of cases in order to draw conclusions on the entire set Qualitative research – research method based on descriptive analysis of the research problem Quantitative research – is characterised by statistical analysis of findings and the determination of the hypothesis. Mixed method research – involves the use of both qualitative and quantitative research methods Research Objectives This research paper aims highlighting the effects of tobacco smoking on health and the economy while illustrating measures taken to curb the ever increasing prevalence of smoking. In addition, the research seeks to highlight the purpose of health and social care service and the role it plays in assisting those in need of rescue. Methodology The study adopted a mixed method of research, which incorporated qualitative and quantitative research approaches while relying on direct sources of data to investigate the detrimental effects of tobacco smoking on health and the economy. In most cases, qualitative research facilitates quantitative research by identifying topic for an appropriate research method. Qualitative research is characterized by an approach that seeks to describe and analyze the culture and behavior of a sample and their group. By the use of this approach, the researcher invests time and effort, spending a considerable time observing the subjects of his/her research. With this regard, the researcher spent time gathering data from the study subjects and with each step identifying with them in a bid to understand what they were going through. In qualitative research, the data collected during exercise is supplemented by the understanding gained from engaging the sample population. During data analysis, recorded materials are wholly reviewed, and the researcher’s insight becomes a key component in the presentation of findings. Similarly, data collected during this study was handled keenly to reduce the margin of error. Quantitative research approaches represents the statistical aspect of this study, which has been heavily influenced by the philosophy of positivism. Positivism depends on the principle of verifiability where knowledge gathered about a subject can be verified by observing the same subject. Methods used to gather data include surveys, experiments, questionnaires, structured interviews and observations. Advantages and Disadvantages of Mixed method The main goal and benefit of adopting a mixed method in research is to achieve a complementary effect during research. The complementary effect comes about when the weaknesses of on one method are masked by the strengths of the other (Bowling 2009, p.2). Qualitative methods of research are not designed for statistical data, but the application the mixed research, allows quantitative methods to handle the statistical aspect of the research. As a result, the findings bear a corroboration phenomenon, which creates superior findings. In this regard, mixed method of research is considered flexible with the capacity to reveal more information. However, the combination of two research methods proves to be time consuming owing to the large volumes of data to be analyzed. With this in mind, it becomes difficult for data reduction thus leaving no room for assumptions. Despite the limitations of the mixed method of research, the integrity of the research is maintained since variable can be easily controlled. This play a vital role in validation of findings; hence the research methodology adopted is reliable. Sample Selection Sampling is a key step in research as one can learn a ton about a large group by studying a few of its members, and this is crucial as it saves time, energy and money. In addition, sampling presents a practical means of data collection. However, it is prone error as the selected sample hardly represents the perspective of the entire population. Good sampling entails a well-defined population, an adequately chosen sample and an estimated representation of the whole population. Stratified sampling technique was used to establish a working sample for this study. The main targets were middle aged men and women who are representatives of economy’s labor force. Ethical Considerations Permission to perform the study was obtained from the participants and relevant authority bodies. In addition, assurance was given to the participants of confidential, and anonymity use of personal data was obtained. The study also respected the views and opinions of all as well as upholding the rights of all involved. Discussion Reasons for Smoking While there exists other influences to the tobacco smoking habit, social smoking has found itself has the biggest of the influences. Peer pressure especially young teenagers prove to amount to the development of the smoking habit. In the same manner, the social rewards tied with smoking are entirely fulfilling with those of tender age appearing ‘cool’. Among adults, cigarette breaks lead to the establishment of bonds among the smokers, who may enter into relationships that fulfill the need for acceptance and joy of belonging to a group. Some people are chronic risk-takers and thrill seekers who try out new things, which later develop into habits. Children may also pick up the smoking habit from their parents and the environment that they grow in. Uncontrolled information such as advertisements may arouse curiosity among young adults. Some people attribute their smoking habit to the therapeutic value, which they associated tobacco. The individuals report of having positive sensations ranging from reduced tension to the heightened sense of well-being. Health and Tobacco Smoking In medieval time, most herbs were used in treatment of conditions in which they were deemed effective and their application ranged from head lice to haemorrhoids; however, the dosage was largely uncontrolled (Charlton 2004). In most cases, tobacco was used to alleviate pain and in control of numerous skin conditions. In the present day, medical professionals do not prescribe tobacco or similar products for treatment in any condition owing to the associated health implications (Pennington 2010). However, scientists continue venture into research on the pharmaceutical properties of the tobacco plant in order to liberate the appropriate components. This has been associated with the overwhelming toxicology reports, which show that nicotine has a high lethal dose, whereby the Lethal Dose (LD50) of nicotine for rats is 50 mg/kg and 3 mg/kg for mice while in an adult human is 0.5-1.0 mg/kg (News Medical n.d.). This raises concerns about the health of individuals since nicotine absorption is rapid while smoking tobacco. Health concerns regarding tobacco smoking lie within the effects of its smoke, which is believed to contain numerous chemicals. Most of these chemicals are known to have devastating effects to the human body including facilitating cancer. Carcinogenic agents in tobacco smoke are credited to be the trigger in most cases of throat, lung, pancreas, bladder, stomach and cervix cancers. Long-term addiction to tobacco smoking contributes to development and progression of chronic diseases such as heart and respiratory diseases. Smoking is responsible for the greatest burden on the health of the world population, playing the role of contributing risk factor to a number of diseased conditions. Such include stroke, peripheral vascular disease, infertility, sudden infant death syndrome and limb amputations (CDC n.d.). There are staggering statistical reports that indicate that smoking contribute to an average of 120,000 premature deaths every year in the United Kingdom (UK). Smoking related deaths occur in nearly half of all cigarette smokers due to their addiction. This is facilitated by a relatively high smoking prevalence among the population. It is estimated that about a sixth of the UK population smoke, with 21% of them being adult men and 20% adult women (ASH-statistics 2012, p.1). Smoking among women has its fair of devastating effects that not only harm them, but also their potential of becoming health mothers to their children. Women who smoke have difficulty in getting pregnant as well as giving birth to a health child, in which case smoking has been linked to infertility and is believed to increase the probability of miscarriages, premature births and low-birth-weight. Sadly, about 150,000 children aged 11-15 are regular smokers and contribute to smoking population. However, the prevalence continues to decrease at an estimated rate of 0.4% per annum. The above plays a critical role in straining the thinly stretched national budget towards health care. Despite the documented evidence on the effects of smoking to an individual, another health problem emerges affecting bystanders. Passive smoking has been attributed to the development of fatal diseases among non-smoker adults and children. Smoking in public places exposes non-smokers to tobacco smoke as well as nicotine and other harmful components (Jamrozik 2005). This has seen an increase in the number of non-smoking populations with avoidable health complaints. In this regard, the tobacco smoker not only harms his health, but also that of his/her non-smoking counterpart. Economy and Smoking Tobacco has a positive contribution to the economy as a cash crop where it is grown on a large scale. Tobacco cultivation is the preferred crop of choice by most farmers since it thrives on less fertile soils and has better returns compared to other cash crops. In addition, it is a legally traded agricultural product, which commands international recognition and demand. Wealth generated by tobacco cultivation goes towards the improvement of the quality of life, which draws development in the region with social amenities such as health and social services. In addition, the tobacco industry has been a key advocate of good agricultural practices and social responsibility. Tobacco plays a crucial role in supporting agricultural output and exports, which facilitates household income by generating employment opportunities for most farmers. Empirical input-output analyses indicate that the presence of the tobacco sector, at the cultivation and processing levels, injects significant proceeds to the economy and the national budget (Carey 2009, p.155). The average income per producer is placed in the range of 7,000-10,000 Euros per hectare (International Tobacco Growers’ Association n.d). There exists a high degree of dependence between the tobacco sector and the economy to a crippling extent should sweeping restrictions be enforced. In this regard, heavy taxation is imposed on tobacco products in a bid to lower tobacco smoking prevalence. In turn, this serves to generate more funds for the national budget. Advertisements dealing with tobacco products generate enormous revenue that cycles back to the economy by providing growth and development in the country. However, the economy is known to suffer its share of blunt from tobacco smoking despite the economic value placed on the cash crop. This occurs at both the personal and national levels, which forces strain to parties involved. At a personal level, a smoker endures the costs of financing his/her daily packs of tobacco. There are various brands of cigarette which have a range of packing, which are normally in tens, 14 or 20s. The funds spent on cigarettes depend on the scale of the individual’s habit; for instance, an individual smoking a pack of 20 cigarettes in a day for five years will have spent up to £8,000. A person who smokes tobacco is liable for placing his/her health on the line, which eventually has tragic results with numerous diseases accruing from smoking. In addition to the pain endured during a disease spell, a smoker has to dig deep into his pocket to finance treatment. This is illustrative of strain into ones finances when faced with health challenges resulting from tobacco smoking. Tobacco smoking has an economic strain to healthcare facilities due to increased prevalence of avoidable health conditions, which are viewed as self inflicted. In this regard, the level of personal productivity is decreased, which has heavy implications at national productivity. Decreased productivity at a national level results from smoking-related deaths among workers leading to loss of manpower. Most of the deaths can be easily avoided by avoiding the addiction related to tobacco smoking with many people unable to remain occasional smokers. This contributes to the loss of productivity as a large proportion of funds is directed towards healthcare for treatment of previously avoidable diseases (Owing 2005, p.10). Visits to hospitals and other health facilities also contribute to loss of working hours, which translate to poor productivity. In a nation where a sixth of its entire population are tobacco smokers, there is bound to have serious implications to the economy. Despite well laid regulations on nicotine percentage contained in each cigarette, the corporate firms dealing with tobacco processing have found a means to covertly increase the content. This amounts to corporate exploitation of the situation where the companies only care for their wellbeing. This has negative effects on the population who become helplessly addicted to smoking regardless on their efforts to quit (News Medical nicotine n.d.). For the processing companies, this translates to increased sales and hence more profit margins; while the population are left to deal health implications. Economic implications are also experienced during accidental fires that may occur in recreational and conservation parks (NFPA 2004, 964). Forest fires are a common occurrence especially along nature trails and at camping sites. For instance, cigarette butts that are carelessly disposed off at camp sites may propagate bush fires that spread rapidly, destroying investments in the area. This amounts to sabotage as effort and manpower is diverted to containing forest fires. Law regarding Smoking Tobacco cultivation is widely accepted in the world and encouraged especially in less fertile regions and areas of rugged terrain. This is in a bid to encourage proper utilisation of land. However, owing to the good returns on tobacco farming, most farmers have turned their backs on cultivation of traditional food crops. This has had a negative impact on the economy in that there is the risk of reduced food security. For this reason, the government has taken measures ensures that the industry is controlled, and tobacco growing is allocated a specified amount of growing land. Measures to this effect include taxation, which has seen it trickle down to people who grow tobacco for personal use (Nicholl 2010, p.3). Tobacco advertising is banned throughout the United Kingdom where the Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Act 2002 prohibit advertising on billboards, print media, direct mail, and through sponsorship (ASH 2012, p.2). Previously, television and radio advertisements had been banned under the Broadcasting Act of 1990 and 1996. The 2002 Act came into force in 2012, which say an implementation of the ban on display of tobacco products at the point of sale. Such regulations are aimed at keeping the prevalence of tobacco smoking at an all time low and eventually eliminating smoking-related effects. The law also seeks to protect children and young adults from the effects of smoking tobacco; however, despite tobacco products being readily available at most retail outlets; retailers are prohibited from selling products to anyone under the age of 16 (Legislation.gov.uk n.d.). In the same manner, a ban on the sale of tobacco products from vending machines was implemented to facilitate compliance. However, despite the tighten control measures; the number of under-aged smokers is on the rise, which begs more stringent measures to enhance compliance. Through a directive issued by the European Union council, companies are required to have written health warning on all tobacco packaging. The directive allows the addition of pictorial warnings, which have been approved on the tobacco packaging. The warning message ought to cover 30 percentage of the front of the package while associated pictorial images must be `shown on 40 percentage of the back of the tobacco packet (Tobacco Control Laws n.d.). In addition, the warning should be enclosed by a border, which helps in highlighting the intended message. Tobacco packaging and labelling are aimed at educating the public on the effects of smoking to one’s health (Sheehan 2003, p.188). The directive also prohibits the use of deceptive expressions and descriptions that imply one tobacco product is less destructive than another is. Smoking in public spaces such as public transport, indoor public places, and workplaces is prohibited, which has proven to be an effective way to reduce health effects associated with secondary smoking (Stellman 1998, p.15). In this manner, the government has assisted in protecting its citizens from the risks of tobacco smoke in line with international commitments under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (Hothersall and Bolger 2010, p.354). However, the law has assigned designated areas in hotels, long term care homes, prisons as well as palliative hospices to cater for the needs of smokers. Smoking is also permitted for sampling purposes during the sorting of cigars and pipe tobacco especially in specialised tobacco shops. The law also seeks to establish consumer protection by establishing manufacturing guidelines on tobacco products. The regulation indicates that manufacturers, who fail to meet safety measures in their products, shall not be granted access into the market (Howells 2011, p.106). In UK, for tobacco products to be allowed into the market, they should have a nicotine level of below 1 mg per cigarette., and any manufacturer flaunting such regulations is locked out of the market, and other legal consequences always follow. Role of HSC Health and Social Care (HSC) is the branch of studies that talks about life’s problem or issues and combines elements of sociology, biology, nutrition, law and ethics. These are crucial components of HSC since specialization into the same enlightens caregivers on dispensation of their services to those in need. There are multiple issues related to health and social care, which need to be addressed at the basic level in a bid to reach affected persons individually. Most activities relating to health and social care are provided as an integrated service, which involves a number of organizations who work together to plan, deliver and monitor public health across the nation. Health and social care involve matters disseminated from the central government to other administration organizations, where they pool their resources to contribute towards the improvement of public health (UK National Statistics n.d.). The United Kingdom government has devolved some its cares to the administrations in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland for specialised handling. Each administration is guided by a common objective of improving public health, healthcare and social services; in this regard, different policies have been developed to achieve the laid down goals. The role of health and social care workers is to facilitate teamwork and enhance the efficacy during the dispensation healthcare services. In this way, HSC workers are charged with the task of implementing tasks and responsibilities delegated to them by senior officers. In addition, HSC worker should be knowledgeable to provide information to persons in need and equally take measures to protect the interest of the service users (Ovretveit 2002, p.92). Tobacco smoking has proven to be a menace straining the limited funds as well as stretching thin healthcare services. Health and social care workers seek to disseminate relevant information, which aims at enlightening the public on issues that destroy them from within such as tobacco smoking. To achieve this, they must uphold public trust and confidence by providing quality social services while maintaining accountability (Matthews and Crawford 2011, p.45). Conclusion Despite the measures already put in motion to reduce tobacco smoking, the prevalence is relatively high. Considering the addictive nature of tobacco smoking, urgent and strict measures need to be undertaken to preserve public health. Experts have a common understanding on quitting tobacco smoking, which is characterised by enormous difficulty to chronic addiction. There are various smoking-cessation strategies that are tailored to suit the needs of an individual. Although tobacco smoking dates medieval ages, its effects on the human body surpass, by far, any benefit that are believed exist. References “ASH Briefing: UK Tobacco Control Policy and Expenditure”. (2012). ASH Briefing. [Online]. Available from: http://www.ash.org.uk/files/documents/ASH_667.pdf http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1991/23/section/2 [Accessed on 13/01/2013]. “Children and Young Persons (Protection from Tobacco) Act 1991”. n.d. Legislation.gov.uk. [Online]. Available from. http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1991/23/section/2 [Accessed on 13/01/2013]. Action on Smoking and Health-ASH. (2012). Smoking Statistics. [Online]. Available from: Read More