BACKGROUND: Indian is the second largest consumer of tobacco, claiming approximately 1.35 million lives annually. The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, was introduced to tackle this crisis, focusing on measures like banning smoking in public places, restricting advertisements, and prohibiting sales near schools. This study assessed how well these provisions are being followed in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, highlighting gaps in their implementation.BACKGROUND AND IMPLEMENTATION CHALLENGES: Background: Indian is the second largest consumer of tobacco, claiming approximately 1.35 million lives annually. The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, was introduced to tackle this crisis, focusing on measures like banning smoking in public places, restricting advertisements, and prohibiting sales near schools. This study assessed how well these provisions are being followed in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, highlighting gaps in their implementation.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Bhubaneswar, covering 181 public places, 18 educational institutions, and 181 tobacco points-of-sale (PoS). Observations were made using a structured checklist aligned with COTPA guidelines. Compliance with smoking bans (Section 4), advertising rules (Section 5), sales restrictions (Section 6), and health warnings on products (Sections 7 and 8) was evaluated, with data analysed descriptively.
INTERVENTION OR RESPONSE: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Bhubaneswar, covering 181 public places, 18 educational institutions, and 181 tobacco points-of-sale (PoS). Observations were made using a structured checklist aligned with COTPA guidelines. Compliance with smoking bans (Section 4), advertising rules (Section 5), sales restrictions (Section 6), and health warnings on products (Sections 7 and 8) was evaluated, with data analysed descriptively.
RESULTS: Compliance with key provisions was found to be inadequate. Only 11.6% of public places displayed "No Smoking" signs, and active smoking was frequently observed, reflecting poor adherence to Section 4. For Section 5, 86.19% of PoS had oversized advertisements, and 98.3% openly displayed tobacco products. Section 6 compliance was mixed - 86.74% of PoS were located more than 100 yards from schools, but 37.02% sold tobacco to minors. While 94.48% of tobacco products displayed health warnings, 60.77% of locally made products lacked required pictorial warnings.
RESULTS AND IMPACT: Compliance with key provisions was found to be inadequate. Only 11.6% of public places displayed "No Smoking" signs, and active smoking was frequently observed, reflecting poor adherence to Section 4. For Section 5, 86.19% of PoS had oversized advertisements, and 98.3% openly displayed tobacco products. Section 6 compliance was mixed - 86.74% of PoS were located more than 100 yards from schools, but 37.02% sold tobacco to minors. While 94.48% of tobacco products displayed health warnings, 60.77% of locally made products lacked required pictorial warnings.
CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed significant lapses in enforcing COTPA provisions in Bhubaneswar. Strengthening law enforcement, increasing public awareness, and penalizing violations are critical to reducing tobacco use and its health impacts. Regular monitoring and community engagement are essential to ensure better compliance with tobacco control laws.