BACKGROUND: Amroha district established in 1997, comprises 1133 villages, 4 tehsils, and a population of 1.84 million as per the 2011 Census. A study aimed to evaluate the compliance level with Section 4 of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, which prohibits smoking in public places in December 2023. The research addressed the challenge of ensuring adherence to tobacco control laws and assessed the impact of enforcement and awareness initiatives in the Amroha district.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted over four weeks in 2-3 clusters per administrative block of Amroha district. Public places were categorized into seven types, including accommodation facilities, eating establishments, workplaces, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, commonly visited venues, and public transport. A minimum sample of 250 venues was surveyed. Data collection focused on indicators such as the presence of "No Smoking" signage, absence of active smoking, lack of visible smoking aids, freedom from the smell of recent smoke, and absence of cigarette butts.
RESULTS: Compliance with Section 4 was recorded at 94.16%. Specific indicators included: “No Smoking” signage (81%), absence of active smoking (97.7%), non-visibility of smoking aids (96.7%), absence of cigarette butts/bidi stubs (97.7%), and no smell of recent smoke (97.7%). These findings indicate robust adherence to the law in Amroha district.
CONCLUSIONS: The findings underscore the success of enforcement and awareness measures in promoting compliance with COTPA Section 4 in Amroha. Key recommendations include strengthening signage installation at public venues, enhancing regular monitoring and enforcement, and sustaining public awareness initiatives to ensure continued adherence.