Knowledge, Attitude and Perceptions on Pictorial Warnings on Tobacco Packaging in Relation to Age, Gender and Socio-economic Status among Patients Visiting a Dental Hospital in Mysuru City

Abstract

Objectives: The objectives of the study were to assess knowledge, attitude and perceptions on pictorial warnings on tobacco packaging in relation to age, gender and socio-economic status (SES) among patients visiting a dental hospital in Mysuru city. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among patients visiting a dental college and hospital in Mysuru. Initial questionnaire development was done using synthesis of inputs from subject experts and literature review. This questionnaire was then validated by three subject experts. Cognitive interview using concurrent verbal probing technique was undertaken on three prospective participants to elicit response process validity. Known group validity was assessed by distributing the questionnaire among three public health dentists and three 3rd year BDS students. Questionnaire was then subjected to reliability assessment on five participants using test retest method. Final questionnaire having 30 items was used on 400 participants aged more than 18 years visiting dental college hospital. Census enumeration of all eligible adult participants was done till the required sample size was reached. Results: Mean knowledge score on warning signs on tobacco packaging was significantly higher among those aged <40 years (7.47 ± 2.47) compared to those aged 40 years and above (6.59 ± 2.47). It was also significantly higher among those from the upper classes (7.55 ± 2.41) compared to those from the lower classes (6.52 ± 2.52) with no significant difference in relation to gender and smoking status. Conclusion: Knowledge on pictorial health warning labels was higher among younger individuals and those from the upper socio-economic classes with no significant difference in the attitude and perception in relation to age, gender, SES and smoking status.