CONFERENCE PROCEEDING
The violation of the bans on tobacco advertising and promotion at points of sale in Vietnam in 2024
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Department of Environmental Health, Hanoi University of Public Health, Hanoi, Vietnam
Publication date: 2025-06-23
Tob. Induc. Dis. 2025;23(Suppl 1):A687
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ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Vietnam enacted the Law on Tobacco Control in 2013, which bans tobacco advertising and promotion (TAP) activities. However, enforcement of these bans at points of sale (POS) remains weak, with high rates of violations. Since 2017, no nationwide studies have evaluated the implementation of TAP bans, leaving a critical gap in scientific evidence for policymakers. This study aimed to (i) describe the violations of TAP bans at POS, (ii) assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of sellers at POS regarding these bans, and (iii) identify challenges in enforcing TAP bans in Vietnam.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at 2,414 tobacco POS across 8 provinces in Vietnam in 2024. The data was collected by using an observational checklist and KAP questionnaires administered to POS sellers. In-depth interviews with government officials and provincial inspectors were also conducted to identify challenges in enforcing the ban.
RESULTS: The study revealed that violations of TAP bans were observed in 23.1% of POS for advertising and 4.9% for promotion. Additionally, 40.9% of POS violated display regulations by showcasing more than one pack, carton, or bottle of a tobacco brand. Only 59.6% of POS sellers were aware of the Law on Tobacco Control, and just 38.6% knew about the TAP bans. Key challenges to enforcing the TAP bans included low awareness among POS owners and sellers, inadequate communication efforts, limited monitoring, and poor inter-agency coordination.
CONCLUSIONS: Violations of TAP bans and display regulations at POS are prevalent in Vietnam, driven partly by low awareness and weak enforcement. To address these issues, comprehensive communication strategies are needed to educate POS owners and sellers about TAP bans. Enhanced monitoring and stricter enforcement mechanisms are essential to ensure compliance.