A study on cigarette and other tobacco products act (COTPA) compliance (for section 4, section 5 (POS), of COTPA 2003) in urban Shimoga, Karnataka

Abstract

Background: According to Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS-2), conducted by the Institute of population Sciences, Mumbai and Tata Institute of Social Sciences on behalf of Health and Family welfare department reported that 28.6% of adults use tobacco in any form. India has amended its legislation against tobacco in 2003 and implemented its strongest legislation as COTPA 2003 (Cigarette and other Tobacco Products Act 2003). The main aim of the study was to assess compliance to prohibition of smoking and other provisions under COTPA in Shivamogga town. Materials and methods: Descriptive cross sectional study was conducted using purposive sampling. Total sample size was 200, observation was made and information was collected about sections 4, 5, 6a, 7,8and 9 of COTPA 2003 (Cigarette and Other Tobacco products Act 2003), to assess its level of compliance and implementation. Results: The compliance rate was found very poor in the public places visited. ‘NO SMOKING AREA’ and ‘Smoking Here Is an Offence’ signage was seldom placed in most of the public places. These signage were seen only in 42.76% of the public places visited.