Rachel Saunders Higgins

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Country: Canada
Background: BSc Science
Research Project: Tobacco control policy analysis for Lesotho

The global tobacco epidemic is presently one of the leading causes of preventable death and disability among adults. Although once predominantly seen in high-income countries, tobacco use is falling in these countries while it continues to increase in low- and middle-income countries, which now reportedly account for 80% of all tobacco users. Given the high prevalence of both HIV and TB in Lesotho, and the is evidence indicating that cigarette smoking is a risk factor for tuberculosis, tobacco control is of critical importance. This research identified contextual factors, both enabling and disabling, influencing tobacco control efforts in Lesotho. Key informant interviews with 12 tobacco control advocates were conducted to augment information gained through document review interpreted using content analysis. Results indicate that contextual influences include the HIV/AIDS epidemic, political will, economic status, degrees of urbanization, religious influences, public support, public awareness, literacy rates, international relationships and the role of the WHO and the FCTC. A conceptual diagram is presented of all factors clustered categorically. Mitigation strategies for disabling factors were also analyzed.