Statutory Warnings Research Articles

THE INFLUENCE OF ACTORS' ONSCREEN ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION AND SMOKING ON THEIR FANS FROM SOCIAL LEARNING PERSPECTIVE

In recent years, every movie has begun with the statutory warning saying, “Smoking Causes Cancer and Smoking Kills; Liquor Drinking is Injurious to Health." These statutory warnings are shown to the cinema audience to raise awareness that drinking and smoking are not socially accepted behaviours. This research aims to find out whether the actors' on-screen alcohol consumption and smoking in films had an influence on their fans. The study was conducted between the period August 2023 to October 2023.This study adopted a quantitative method with purposive sampling technique and the responses were collected through a survey from 254 male respondents from the state of Tamil Nādu. The study has found that such as age and locality are found to have high influence on the behaviour change at 0.01 level, Besides the age, locality, educational qualification, and occupation has high chances of fans Imitation by watching films 0.01 level. The impact of age, locality, and educational qualification on reinforcement and self-efficacy has significant relationships at the 0.01 level of significance thus shows how fans support and oppose actors' similar actions. Movie watching in theatre compared with self-efficacy does not have significant relationship because fans does not resist in influencing by watching their favourite actors. The findings revealed many significant associations and thus shows the relationship between movie-watching habits had influence on adoption of onscreen behaviours of their favourite actors. As a result, the representations of drinking and smoking by the actors have the potential to have a negative influence on fans health and lifestyle.

A Proposal for new Quality attributes for Schedule R of the Indian Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940

Original sin is not life but it is a part of life. It establishes psychological, mental and physical health. Statistics reveal several deaths of pregnant mothers, ectopic pregnancy, child deaths or original sin related diseases, apart from lethal consequences which is out of the scope of this article. Use of contraceptive methods may be beneficial in several circumstances avoiding unwanted pregnancies. A few television channels were scrolling the various contraceptive methods and educating the citizens for a good health perspective. The objective of this review is not only to enlighten the various contraceptive methods but also in knowing their failure level methods and some unique evaluation methods that can be included in Schedule R of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 so as to append the quality attributes with in-vitro and in-vivo original sin correlated models. The review illustrates role of researchers/pharmacist/medical professionals in problem solving skills and is also expected to answer the general questions experienced and witnessed by the author relating to original sin including gender sensitization. In India, several national level bodies also insist for academic accreditations the contributions relating to gender sensitization and the article meets criteria as well. If the author as a common man sends a sample for current products for assessing abstract attributes, does Central Drugs Laboratory can?, a thought in this direction is needed which in turn indicates role of questionnaires/instruments in the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules 1945. Does a need of a statutory warning for original sin products is necessary, a question is raised and a review by persons skilled in art is proposed. The article illustrates either side to the context. The article also helps to overcome barriers from society, professional point of view relating to original sin related research either at the pre-clinical or at the clinical levels.

Thank you for not smoking – A multi-method investigation to understand the effect of anti-smoking warnings in television programs

Several countries insert statutory warnings about the adverse effects of smoking in movie and television (TV) content. This study tests the effectiveness of anti-smoking warnings as a prevention-based stimulus for non-smokers in TV programs. Study 1 (a qualitative study) finds that on-screen smoking can induce viewers to take up smoking. Study 2 tested anti-smoking warnings’ efficacy based on viewers’ smoking habits and finds that warnings are most effective in enabling viewers to resist persuasion when they are non-smokers. Study 3, using an eye-tracking device, examines the role of visual attention in the underlying processes. The proposed model compared four warning timings: no warning, warning prior to the content (PW), warning concurrent with the content (CW), and both warnings (both), which lead viewers to pay attention to the on-screen smoking, influencing critical processing (CP) and attitude toward smoking (ASM). Findings indicate that warning timing has a significant indirect effect on ASM, mediated by attention to the warning and on-screen smoking, and CP. There were no direct effects between warning timings and CP or ASM. Additionally, PW and both demonstrated a significantly higher indirect effect on CP and ASM than CW. As compared to CW, PW and both are more effective at countering the persuasion attempt of on-screen smoking. This study contributes to the literature on statutory warning timings, persuasion knowledge models, and healthcare policy.

Perceptions of Waterpipe Smoking among Young Adults: A Phenomenological Study

Background: Waterpipe tobacco smoking is becoming increasingly popular in the West among young people. Given the associated health risks of this behaviour, we aimed to investigate why young adults take up waterpipe tobacco smoking and their attitudes to the associated risks. Methods: This was a qualitative study, with a phenomenological perspective. Focus groups and face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted among waterpipe smokers aged 20–30 years living in London, UK. Transcripts were analysed using constant comparison and cycling between the data and analysis. Data collection continued until thematic saturation was achieved. Results: Sixteen smokers attended focus groups and face-to-face interviews. Seven main themes emerged encompassing four main dimensions relating to: lack of knowledge, perceived risk, affordability, and social addiction. Waterpipe was perceived to be safer than cigarette smoking due to the pleasant odour, fruity flavours, and belief that water filtered the toxins. The waterpipe had become a “social addiction” enhancing group atmosphere, was cheap and did not have the dangers of violence or hallucinations associated with other addictions like alcohol and drugs. Because of their intermittent smoking patterns and the lack of statutory warnings, none felt they were not at risk of any adverse side effects. Conclusions: Waterpipe smoking is a growing public health problem; the social environment associated with its use is perceived to be a positive outlet by smokers who do not consider it harmful to their health. These perceptions need to be addressed urgently by anti-smoking policies.

Scope of Social Marketing in De-Marketing Smoking Habits: An Exploratory Study

Social marketing is the art of marketing for the society. With the present environment confronted with numerous issues related to society and health, social marketing can be used as a humble way to address them. This study explores the scope of social marketing in de-marketing smoking habits. Consequently, it unveils the perception of consumers on the issue of smoking, and examine how people react on seeing a form of de-marketing advertisement on the cigarette packet. Finally, this paper provides suggestions for campaigns through social marketing to address the issue. This study is exploratory and descriptive in nature, involving a sample of 400 respondents. Factor analysis has been administered in analysing the data. This study reveals that people smoke due to addiction and out of the desire to socialize. Further, a section of smokers view smoking as having the capacity to relieve a person from depression. As far as seeing the de-marketing advertisement is concerned, smokers have a tendency to go for emotional forgetting as they simply ignore the statutory warning. These are vital input for social marketers to formulate policies. Social marketers involved in de-marketing campaigns can highlight that a person can achieve status in a society by virtue of exploiting one’s own innovative skills and talents. Further positive contribution to the society gives one an eternal pleasure in life. Lastly marketers can pinpoint that regular exercise, good sleep, healthy diet and positive thinking can relieve oneself from stress.

Influence of anti-tobacco advertisements on the attitude of slum dwellers about use of tobacco: a cross-sectional study from Mandya city

Background: As per the Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) rules, the anti-tobacco health spots and disclaimers are being provided by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India. These advertisements are aimed at creating awareness about the ill effects of tobacco use. Mass media anti-tobacco advertising campaigns play an important role as part of a comprehensive tobacco control program and are associated with increase in smoking cessation and declines in adult tobacco use prevalence.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the influence of anti-tobacco advertisements among slum dwellers of Mandya city. A self-structured, close-ended questionnaire was used to interview 700 slum dwellers. The questionnaire consisted of sociodemographic data, tobacco usage status, questions related to awareness about anti-tobacco advertisements, and influence of anti-tobacco advertisements on attitude toward tobacco use. Frequency distributions and percentages were examined for each item and Chi-square test was used.Results: Out of 700 participants 54.5% were males and 45.5% were females. Nearly 87.7% of males and 70.2% of females had noticed the statutory warning which is shown during tobacco products’ usage on television/movies. Almost 66.4% of males and 68.0% of females had a positive change in attitude toward tobacco use due to influence of anti-tobacco advertisements.Conclusions: There is awareness against use of tobacco and this awareness should be used to motivate them to quit tobacco as well as to stop them from initiating tobacco use.

Prevalence and determinants of smoking among rural young males of Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu: a cross sectional study

Background: Tobacco is the leading global cause of preventable death which kills millions of people and causes huge economic damage every year. Smoking form of tobacco is a major modifiable risk factor for number of chronic non-communicable diseases. In spite of various statutory warnings, smoking still remains a major Public health problem especially in young males. In order to reduce the magnitude and for effective control, the risk factors and distribution should be well known. This study was planned with the objective of assessing the prevalence and determinants of smoking among rural young males of Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu, India.Methods: This community based cross sectional study was carried out between March and May 2018 among rural young males aged between 18 to 29 years. Sample size of 431 was calculated by using 4PQ/L2 and the respondents were selected from sampled households using systematic random sampling. Data were collected using a pre-tested, structured questionnaire, which were analyzed using SPSS version 16.0 and presented using descriptive and analytical statistics.Results: Among 422 participants interviewed, the prevalence of smoking was 23%. Factors found to be protective against smoking were employment status and sedentary type of jobs. Factors found to be significantly associated with smoking were individuals with smoking friends and family members, habit of alcoholism, employment and low education status.Conclusions: Since smoking is a preventable cause of morbidity and mortality, efforts should be made to control its use by intensive health education, implementing counsellingfacilities and rigorous enforcement of anti-tobacco legislation.

Awareness of anti-tobacco advertisements and its influence on attitude toward tobacco use among 16 to 18-year-old students in Belgaum city: A Cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION:Tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced. Tobacco use is a significant public health problem worldwide and the single-most preventable risk of human health. Mass media anti-tobacco advertisements can reach large sections of the society and increase awareness about the harms of tobacco use and increase quit attempts.METHODOLOGY:This cross-sectional study was conducted to find out the awareness of anti-tobacco advertisements and to assess the influence of anti-tobacco advertisements among 16 to 18-year-old students in Belgaum city. A self-structured, close-ended, 26-item questionnaire was distributed to 600 preuniversity students. The questionnaire consisted of sociodemographic data, tobacco usage status, questions related to awareness about anti-tobacco advertisements, and influence of anti-tobacco advertisements on attitude toward tobacco use. Frequency distributions and percentages were examined for each item and Chi-square test was used.RESULTS:Majority of the study participants (89.4% males and 86.7% females) were aware of the anti-tobacco advertisements. Television and movie theaters were considered as the most effective means for anti-tobacco advertisements. Nearly 90.8% had noticed the statutory warning which is shown during tobacco products’ usage on television/movies. Almost 78.35% of males and 90.6% of females had a positive change in attitude toward tobacco use due to influence of anti-tobacco advertisements.CONCLUSION:There is an increased awareness on anti-tobacco and this has been proved to be effective in motivating them to quit tobacco as well as stop them from initiating tobacco use.

Awareness of Harmful Effects of Tobacco –Misinterpretation or Misrepresentation

Debilitating effects of tobacco on health are established but its awareness among its consumers is questionable. Despite aggressive steps in advertising and enforcement of laws to print statutory warnings in the packaging of tobacco products by the health ministry, the habit is still on the rise. A survey was conducted to evaluate the awareness of acute and long terms effects of tobacco on the body and the ability to comprehend the pictorial warnings in packaging of tobacco products in the district of Salem and Namakkal.

Awareness regarding oral cancer and oral precancerous lesions among rural population of Belgaum district, India.

Belgaum district of Karnataka state is well known for high production and consumption of tobacco in Southern India. This study aimed to investigate the rural population's awareness of oral cancer, precancerous lesions and their risk factors. Data were collected via face to face interviews using a pretested and validated questionnaire. The questionnaire comprised two parts: part one had questions concerning socio-demographic data and part two consisted of 25 questions pertaining to people's attitudes to and awareness of risk factors for oral cancer and precancerous lesions. One researcher interviewed participants and recorded the responses verbatim. Of the participants, 17% identified all the symptoms of oral cancer and 27.8% identified all the symptoms of oral precancerous lesions. Approximately 90% of the participants had never noticed statutory warnings on tobacco and alcohol products. Awareness was especially poor in people of lower socio-economic status. This study highlights a need for education concerning the risk factors for oral cancer, its clinical manifestations and the impact of adverse habits on long term health. Health education campaigns emphasizing oral cancer need to be integrated with broader public health messages.

Effect of Statutory and Pictorial Health Warning among People Consuming Tobacco Products in Pune City, India – A Questionnaire Study

Context: Government is trying diligently to reduce the sale of tobacco products among the consumers by taking proactive measures like mandatory statutory and pictorial on the tobacco packaging. This study was conducted to check the effectiveness of such warnings amongst consumers. Aim: To assess the effect of statutory and pictorial health warning among individuals consuming smokeless tobacco product. Settings and design: The questionnaire study was conducted among 203 smokeless tobacco consumers of Pune from 01st August to 30th August 2015. Material and Methods: 203 consumers formed the sample size of the study. 12 closed ended questions were asked by interview method. The responses were collected, tabulated and analysed. Statistical Analyses used: Descriptive analysis. Results: Mean age of the study participants was 37.67±8.14 ranging from 23-65. 198(97.5) of the study participants were aware of the pictorial warning. Though 157(77.3) wanted to quit tobacco, 33(18.2) were not able to understand pictorial warning. Conclusion: It was concluded that though there was awareness about pictorial and statutory warnings which are found to be effective tools to help consumers quit tobacco. Poor quality of packaging and absence of warnings on few of smokeless tobacco did not serve the purpose. Key words: Health warnings, Pictorial Warning, Statutory Warning, Smokeless tobacco, Tobacco cessation

Clinical presentation, treatment and outcome of acute dettol poisoning in children

Background: Despite various statutory warning, accidental ingestion of poisonous substances by children remains a major challenge to clinicians working in a tertiary care hospital. Accidental ingestion of dettol, a common household disinfectant is one among them where the clinical presentation was found to vary according to the amount ingested. This study was aimed to understand the clinical profile of accidental ingestion of dettol (AID), its treatment and outcome. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted in children, who admitted with special reference to AID in the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) between January, 2010 and December, 2015. A standard performa which included age, sex, time of presentation to PICU after ingestion, clinical presentations, treatment given and the outcome were taken. Results: Among 5806 children admitted during the study period, 401 (6.9%) were due to acute poisoning. About 62 poisonous substances were identified. AID was found in 5/401 (1.2%) cases. Nausea, vomiting with burning sensation of oral mucosa, and abdominal pain were the symptoms when ingested a small amount (10-20 ml) of dettol. Stomach washing and antiemetic were the first line therapy. No mortality was evidenced from AID. Conclusions: Nausea, vomiting with burning sensation of oral mucosa, and abdominal pain were the clinical presentations of AID at mild quantity ingestion which were effectively managed by stomach washing and antiemetic therapy. Though AID was a rare accidental poisoning in children, it can be completely prevented by educating the society to keep the poisonous substance out of the reach of children.

Public Health Interventions to Reduce the Incidence of Tobacco Associated Cancers.

DEAR EDITOR, Tobacco is a dependence producing substance and accounts for the death of more than 6 million people worldwide every year, of which more than 0.6 million are nonsmokers dying from breathing second-hand smoke.[1] Worldwide, close to 12% of all deaths among adults aged 30 years and above has been attributed to the consumption of tobacco in any form with maximum deaths being reported in the American and European region.[2] The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that the prevalence of smoking among world's population above 15 years of age was almost 22%.[3] In addition, approximately, 250 million adults consume smokeless tobacco in the WHO South-East Asia Region alone.[4] Worldwide, tobacco is consumed in different forms such as cigarette, bidi, cigar, chillum, and smokeless tobacco.[4,5] Consumption of tobacco is not only associated with the development of multiple systemic side effect and metabolic complications but even development of cancers.[5] In fact, it has been estimated that tobacco smoke contains more than potential 40 hazardous chemicals, which can lead to the development of cancer.[4,5] Even from the prognosis point of view, a high incidence of complications have been reported subsequent to surgical management among tobacco users.[6] In addition, tobacco leads to a significant burden on the health care delivery system and roughly accounts for more than half a trillion dollars of economic damage every year.[1] However, multiple challenges such as poor awareness among people about different health-related adverse consequences, development of the malignancy after a prolonged period of exposure, limited sensitization of the medical fraternity regarding early detection, and scarcity in the number of trained healthcare professionals have been identified, which interfere with routine prevention and control activities.[1,4] In addition, other factors such as limited number of institutes, which offers comprehensive cancer-related care; minimal efforts by the outreach workers to promote tobacco quitting, poor communication skills of health professionals, no streamlined mechanism to increase awareness about tobacco in school settings, and absence of statutory warnings on tobacco products marketed in local areas have also played a crucial role.[1,2,5,7] Further, poor implementation of the existing legislative measures, extensive opposition from the tobacco manufacturing companies, and poor commitment from the policy makers to ban the consumption of tobacco products, universally, has also interfered with the implementation of the tobacco control services.[1,5,7,8] The WHO has projected that in the absence of implementation of “Framework Convention into National Tobacco Control Programs,” tobacco will account for the death of almost one billion people in this century, worldwide.[1] Thus, it is the responsibility of the policy makers and concerned stakeholders to prioritize this issue, and hence develop a comprehensive strategy to not only target the potential risk factors but even address the identified challenges.[2,5,7] The strategy should consists of multiple elements, namely creating awareness among people regarding the adverse consequences of tobacco consumption and necessity of periodic assessment,[5] developing a mechanism to monitor tobacco use and prevention policies,[1] strengthening of the health care delivery system,[2] ensuring uniform distribution of cancer institute's across the country,[1,2] implementing steps to protect people from tobacco smoke,[1] and sensitizing medical practitioners about their immense role in encouraging people to quit tobacco.[2] Further, measures such as enforcing bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship,[1,5] raising tax on tobacco products,[1,7] exploring options for national and international coordination,[5] and promoting research to increase the understanding about the natural history of different tobacco associated malignancies, can also play a major role in the global fight against tobacco.[1,2,5] In conclusion, tobacco remains one of the key etiological agents in the causation of multiple cancers, and thus it is high time to adopt a holistic strategy to bring about a significant reduction in the incidence of tobacco-induced cancers. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.

Comparison of the source of introduction to cariogenic food substance and caries prevalence in children.

Dental caries being a multi-factorial disease depends on lot of factors. Since awareness and exposure seems to have increased, in the present scenario it is difficult to assume that one particular source would increase the occurrence of dental caries. Children are exposed to different media sources and spend most of their free time watching them. They are attracted by messages of advertisers' and susceptible to stylish advertisements of foods often harmful to oral and general health. To compare the effects of three different sources of introduction to cariogenic food substance among school children and their role in caries prevalence. A total of 300 school children were selected for the study and a questionnaire was prepared keeping in mind the various sources introducing cariogenic foods to children namely television advertisement, magazines/news paper, posters/banners. Following which oral examination will be done to determine the number of carious lesions in the subjects. The data will be acquired, computed and statistically analysed to compare the correlation between these sources and caries prevalence. Children who watched television advertisements and asked for food items and soft drinks were found to have more caries and DMFT/dmft index. A total ban on advertisements would not be practically possible. A more realistic approach would be to limit the number of advertisements that feature potentially cariogenic and unhealthy food products, and also ensure that they ideally carry statutory warnings.

Statutory warnings on commercial tobacco preparations sold in rural India: are they conveying their message?

Statutory warnings on commercial tobacco preparations sold in rural India: are they conveying their message?

Clean air is the key to clean lungs: Secondhand smoke is injurious to health

An accompanying Opinion 'The Case For Clean Indoor Air' by Dr. Fred M. Jacobs, the Commissioner of the Department of Health and Senior Services of the state of New Jersey, USA, presents very compelling statistics and arguments in favor of banning smoking in public places. In fact, he played a pivotal role in formulating and in having the clean air act passed in the New Jersey state Assembly. I hope health commissioners in the other states of USA and around the world do what Dr. Jacobs did- advice the governments and ensure that the governments recognize that people should have the freedom to breath clean air. Hopefully, the message 'Secondhand smoke is injurious to health' will soon be spread as a statutory warning

From 1 Oct 2003 all aspirin products supplied in the UK must bear the new statutory label warning

From 1 Oct 2003 all aspirin products supplied in the UK must bear the new statutory label warning

Present status of asbestos mining and related health problems in India--a survey.

At present in India more than thirty mines are in operation. It produces 2800 tones of asbestos per month (mainly chrysotile and tremolite) and in recent years substantial quantity (-70%) is imported from Canada. The quality of asbestos produced in India is very poor. The mining and milling and other related processes expose the people to cancer and related diseases. Women are more affected by their exposure in processing unit compared to male who are generally working in mines. Direct and indirect employment in asbestos related industry and mine is around 100,000 workers. Latency period (length of the time between exposure and the onset of diseases) in India is estimated to be 20-37 yr. The causes for lung and breathing problem are mainly due to obsolete technology and direct contact with the asbestos products without proper precaution, because in India asbestos are sold without statutory warning. This paper reviews health effects (such as fibrosis, sequelae, bronchogenic cancer, and malignant mesothelioma) on the Indian mine workers caused due to asbestos mining related activities with respect to their present day condition.

Indian government plans tougher tobacco laws

The Indian government has drafted antitobacco legislation aimed at curbing India's rising consumption of tobacco. The legislation, which will be introduced to parliament at its next sitting, seeks to ban all advertisements for tobacco products; prohibit smoking in public; and extend statutory warnings to non-cigarette products of tobacco, which account for nearly 80% of all tobacco consumed in the country. The legislation, prepared by the ministry of health and family welfare in consultation with the law ministry, also seeks to ban the sale of tobacco within a radius of 100m of all educational institutions, medical colleges, and hospitals. The new rules will …