A research article titled “Strategic Analysis for Achieving a Tobacco‑Free Village: A Case Study of Damagh Sefid Village, Sarpol‑e Zahab,” authored by Ayeez Azami and conducted by the Tobacco Control Research Center, has been published. The abstract of the study is summarized as follows:
Tobacco‑free villages can serve as an effective model for reducing or eliminating tobacco consumption in rural communities and play a significant role in improving public and social health outcomes. This study aimed to analyze the strategic approaches for achieving a tobacco‑free village in Damagh Sefid village in Sarpol‑e Zahab County and to identify the key factors influencing the success and sustainability of this initiative.
The research employed a descriptive–analytical design with a mixed qualitative and quantitative approach. The study population consisted of 20 participants, including 10 village residents and 10 local stakeholders (local administrators, members of the Islamic village council, and respected community leaders), who were selected through a census sampling method. Data were collected through in‑depth interviews and a researcher‑developed questionnaire. The validity of the instruments was confirmed through expert review, and reliability was verified using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Data were analyzed using the SWOT analytical framework (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats).
The findings indicated that the small population size of the village, strong social cohesion, active community participation, and the implementation of awareness‑raising programs constituted the primary strengths of the initiative. Conversely, limited communication infrastructure, insufficient awareness regarding the health consequences of tobacco consumption, the prevalence of hookah use, and relatively permissive attitudes toward tobacco were identified as key weaknesses.
In terms of opportunities, the cooperation of local residents, effective involvement of the Ministry of Health, engagement of non‑governmental organizations, and collaboration between governmental and non‑governmental institutions played an important role in facilitating the implementation of the initiative. However, several threats were also identified, including the presence of visiting tourists who smoke, youth mobility between the village and nearby urban areas, economic pressures, and the influence of certain media content that may normalize tobacco use.
Overall, the results suggest that the tobacco‑free village initiative in Damagh Sefid has been largely successful. Nevertheless, maintaining its achievements requires continued attention to economic, social, and cultural challenges. The study recommends that the initiative be pursued as a long‑term sustainable program, supported by strengthened educational, institutional, and community‑based interventions to preserve the village’s tobacco‑free status in the coming years.
