Do you think tobacco prevention and control is an important issue to nursing? Why or why not?

Yes, tobacco prevention and control is an important issue for nursing. Tobacco use has been linked to numerous severe health consequences including respiratory disease, heart disease, stroke, cancer and more. Nursing professionals are essential in providing education to patients on the harmful effects of using tobacco products as well as offering support to those attempting to quit smoking or using other forms of nicotine-containing products. Furthermore, nurses can also play a role in advocating for policies that reduce the prevalence of smoking within their communities and improve access to cessation services.

Tobacco prevention and control is especially relevant given the current public health crisis posed by COVID-19. Individuals with underlying conditions such as COPD or cardiovascular issues caused by smoking are at increased risk for developing severe illness related to the virus. Therefore it is more important than ever before that nurses do their part in educating patients on how they can reduce their risk through healthy lifestyle changes including quitting smoking or decreasing nicotine intake.