Women Smoking Tobacco in Myanmar
When it comes to smoking, women in many countries have traditionally remained in the background. However, in some countries, such as Myanmar, female smoking rates have been steadily increasing. Smoking tobacco has long been a part of life in Myanmar and it is estimated that 2 million people are addicted to smoking. Although a large proportion of smokers are male, more and more women in Myanmar are taking up the habit. This article will explore the reasons why women in Myanmar are smoking more, its associated costs and the health impacts it is having on them.
Overview of Smoking Habits in Myanmar
Smoking is deeply entrenched in Myanmar culture and in recent years, the smoking habit has been growing (especially among women). International surveys suggest that 14-15% of women in Myanmar are smokers, making the country the highest in Southeast Asia in terms of female smokers. There has been a rise in adult-women smoking rates since 2005, with the rates for Myanmar being five times higher than the global average for women. This can attributed to increases in international trade and agricultural production, combined with the liberalization of tobacco control policies in the country. Today, Myanmar is the largest consumer and producer of tobacco in Southeast Asia.
Reasons for Increase of Women Smoking in Myanmar
There are several factors that have contributed to an increase in the number of women smoking in Myanmar.
Advertising: Women in Myanmar are exposed to more advertising for smoking than ever before. Tobacco advertising, in the form of billboards, advertisements and promotions, is commonplace in Myanmar and has led to an increase in the use of tobacco among women, as evidenced by a survey in 2015. The fact that advertising of cigarettes and other tobacco products is not banned has had a noticeable effect on female smoking rates.
Wealth: As Myanmar’s economy continues to grow and living standards increase, so does access to cigarettes and other forms of tobacco. This increase in wealth is associated with more smoking by women, as evidenced by a survey conducted by the World Health Organization in 2014.
Cultural Norms: Myanmar is a traditional society and smoking is seen as socially acceptable, especially among the younger generation of women. Women smoking is often viewed as a sign of independence and status and therefore many women take up the habit, as evidenced by a recent survey in Myanmar.
Cost of Smoking for Women in Myanmar
Smoking can have a huge financial cost for women in Myanmar. Cigarettes and other tobacco products are heavily taxed and many women spend a significant amount of money on tobacco each week. This money is often crucial for their livelihood and could be used instead for food and other essentials.
Furthermore, smoking can have a serious impact on the health of women in Myanmar and the costs associated with treating smoking-related illnesses can be considerable. Lung cancer, for example is the second most-prevalent cancer in Myanmar, with many cases being linked to smoking. The cost of treatment for these illnesses can be considerable and can put a great strain on an individual’s financial resources.
Health Impacts of Women Smoking in Myanmar
Smoking is a major health hazard in Myanmar and carries a number of serious risks and side effects. Women are particularly vulnerable to the effects of smoking and the habit is associated with an increased risk of developing chronic conditions such as stroke, heart disease and cancer. Furthermore, smoking can cause fertility problems in women and can adversely affect the health of their unborn children.
Women in Myanmar have been smoking tobacco for many decades and in recent years, the habit has been on the rise. This can be attributed to increases in advertising, economic growth and changing cultural norms. Women smoking has associated health costs, as well as financial costs, and can result in serious chronic illnesses. It is important that women in Myanmar are aware of the risks associated with smoking and are encouraged to make healthy choices.
