Bans don’t work and never have, which is why doctors need to be at the forefront of changing unhealthy bevaviour, writes Derek Yach
Bans don’t work and never have, which is why doctors need to be at the forefront of changing unhealthy bevaviourUnite Against The Tobacco Ban and the general public outside parliament in Cape Town demanding that the ban on tobacco, tobacco products, e-cigarettes and related products be lifted. Pics: SUNDAY TIMES/ESA ALEXANDER
We have seen unhealthy behaviours increase during the pandemic, with anxiety and stress compounding this. At the same time, individuals express a desire to change these habits and are seeking guidance on how to do so. They want better health. Still, abstract knowledge about healthy behaviour does not necessarily equate to action. Nor does intent to change ensure an individual will do so. Nowhere is this clearer than in the case of smoking. Our survey showed that 80% of daily smokers seek to smoke less, and 58% said the pandemic has increased their desire to quit.
SA’s ban has increased illicit trade and done little to curb consumption, failures that are now coming to light in the court challenge to the legislation The government ban is misguided in many respects. Prohibition fails because people who are dependent will go to extreme, often dangerous, lengths to continue using tobacco products. Criminals fill the gap with illicit products that deprive the government of desperately needed excise tax.
Moving forward, doctors should build on the trust people place in them, take the lead in educating the public about THR alternatives, and do more to improve their access to the approach they choose.
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