What is the Role of Epidemiology in Shaping Tobacco Control Policies?

Epidemiology plays a crucial role in shaping tobacco control policies by providing evidence on the health risks associated with tobacco use, the effectiveness of various control measures, and the burden of tobacco-related diseases. Surveillance systems, cohort studies, and case-control studies generate data that inform policy decisions and help evaluate their impact over time. For instance, the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) provides critical data on tobacco use patterns, which can be used to tailor interventions to specific populations.