Economic burden of tobacco consumption in Nigeria, 2013-2020: A prevalence-based attributable-risk approach

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Tobacco consumption is a significant risk factor for many chronic non-communicable diseases. In addition, tobacco use imposes a huge economic burden on countries including Nigeria. This study estimated the economic burden of tobacco consumption in Nigeria from 2013-2020. METHODS The study combined data from the WHO Global Health Observatory and Global Health Expenditure databases, the World Bank, Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS 2018), and the literature. Using an attributable risk strategy, the study estimated the direct cost as well as the economic burden of morbidity and mortality attributable to tobacco use. RESULTS Of the total economic burden of non-communicable diseases, 0.07% was attributable to smoked tobacco and 0.004% was attributable to smokeless tobacco use among males, while for females the values were 0.005% for smoked tobacco and 0.002% for smokeless tobacco use. Between 2013 and 2020, the total direct cost (US$) attributable to smoked tobacco use for the current health expenditure category was $9.37 billion, while for smokeless tobacco it was $749.66 million. Combined, the economic burden of tobacco use between 2013 and 2020 was $9.45 billion. On average, the economic burden attributable to tobacco use accounted for 0.28% of total GPD between 2013 and 2020 in the country. CONLUSIONS Considering the enormous economic burden of tobacco use that is evident in this study, the Nigerian economy as well as public and population health will benefit from intensifying efforts to fully adopt ‘best buys’ policy recommendations to control tobacco use in the country.