{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: An observational survey of Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003 Violation in Puducherry, South India.
{Author}: Chellamuthu L;Mary J JF;Thamizh Maran S;
{Journal}: Indian J Tuberc
{Volume}: 71
{Issue}: 3
{Year}: 2024 Jul
暂无{DOI}: 10.1016/j.ijtb.2023.05.017
{Abstract}: <B>BACKGROUND: </B>One of the commonly abused drug substances in both rural and urban communities of the developing countries is tobacco. The slow poison is still present even though anti-tobacco laws has been implemented to eliminate this threat.<BR><B>OBJECTIVE: </B>To measure the violation of Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003 under sections 4, 5, 7, 8, 9 & 10 in Puducherry.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>An observational cross-sectional survey was conducted over three months (June to August 2022) in 194 public places and 126 tobacco points-of-sale at Puducherry district. A multi-stage cluster sampling was employed. An observational checklist was used to record the violation of COTPA sections. The data were analyzed using SPSS-v16.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>Section 4 and 5 violations were 67% and 47% respectively, while other sections (7,8,9,10) were compliant with the law in >85% of the parameters observed exception being display of "Warning" in specified font and colour (10%). The COTPA compliance rate was quite low in the observed public places. "No smoking area" and "Smoking Here Is an Offense" signage was seldom displayed in most public places.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Despite the fact that the law has been carefully drafted, it has been implemented to a limited extent. For guaranteeing adherence and rigorous implementation of the act's provisions, the concerned authorities shall perform timely and routine compliance assessments.