Explore the vast range of titles available.

Early initiation of tobacco use can lead to lifelong addiction and increases tobacco-attributable morbidity and mortality. This study assesses trends in tobacco use initiation and factors associated with tobacco use initiation using disaggregated data from two rounds of the Global Adult Tobacco Survey India (GATS; 2009-2010 (GATS 1) and 2016-2017 (GATS 2)). Secondary analysis of repeated cross-sectional studies. The study involved data from 69 296 individuals and 76 069 households in GATS 1 and 74 037 individuals and 77 170 households in GATS 2, two rounds of a nationally representative survey in India. Mean age of initiation (as recalled by the participants) of smoked and smokeless tobacco (SLT) use (dependent variable) was compared and analysed across different sociodemographic variables (independent factors). We assessed change in mean age of initiation of tobacco usage on a daily basis between GATS 1 and GATS 2, and investigated the factors associated with early tobacco use initiation in the GATS 2 dataset (reported using adjusted ORs (aORs) with 95% CIs). The mean age of initiation of smoked tobacco and SLT in GATS 2 was 20.9±8.5 and 22.3±10.6 years, compared with 18.5±9.7 and 19.7±12.0 years in GATS 1. The mean age of initiation increased with age and among those who were better aware of the adverse effects of tobacco. As per GATS 2, males initiated smoked tobacco and SLT use earlier (20.6±7.4 and 21.7±9.1) than females (23.3±14.2 and 23.2±12.6 years). Younger participants (15-24 years) reported earlier initiation of SLT (15.5±4.2 years) compared with others. Binary logistic regression depicted variables associated with early initiation of tobacco. Awareness about the harms caused by tobacco affected the odds of SLT (aOR 1.4, 95% CI 1.3 to 1.7) and dual usage initiation (1.8, 1.6 to 2.0), but not of initiation of smoked tobacco products (1.1, 0.9 to 1.2). More robust health advocacy campaigns that communicate the harmful effects of tobacco on health could be useful to delay tobacco initiation, along with reducing the ease of access and affordability of tobacco products among vulnerable groups.

Sustainable development goals (SDGs) were meant to put each and everywhere 'at par'. The tobacco epidemic globally is one major deterrent to their achievement. While it gets addressed under SDG 3 through the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) - the World Health Organization (WHO) global treaty (the target 3.a of SDG 3), the progress made globally and by India is slow. As a result, many countries may fall short of achieving the target of reducing tobacco usage (taking 2016 as base year) by 30 per cent by the year 2030. India with its high burden of tobacco use and abysmally low quitting along with soaring economic costs of tobacco related diseases and deaths can do better with the engagement of multisectoral stakeholders to strengthen tobacco control under SDGs. Moreover, there is a need to emphasize that the goal of O - Offer to Quit of WHO MPOWER can be achieved through increasing 'onus' on policy makers, and strategists, and opportunities for masses, tobacco users, healthcare professionals (HCPs) and enforcers to have tobacco cessation delivered optimally. By doing so, the United Nations can significantly facilitate a reduction in tobacco use and the resultant economic costs. Furthermore, it will assist the WHO to fulfil the targets set for 2030 under SDG 3.a by the FCTC member countries. In addition, it will fulfil the vision and mission defined in the Chandigarh declaration of the 5th National Conference on Tobacco or Health for India to be tobacco free by 2030.

Tobacco-free generation (TFG) policies, also conceptualised as smoke-free or nicotine-free generation in some geographies, envision the elimination of tobacco use initiation by preventing tobacco sales to generations born after a specified birth date. This cohort-based policy approach eventually aims to phase out tobacco use. This paper defines TFG, reviews its international developments and explores the feasibility of the TFG policy approach in India, considering the country’s federal governance structure with health as a state responsibility, within a national policy framework. Our review suggests that the concept of TFG aligns well with existing tobacco control measures in India, such as the Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), the National Tobacco Control Programme, Tobacco-free Educational Institutes and innovations such as tobacco vendor licensing and various tobacco-free campaigns. Amending section 6(a) of COTPA to replace the current prohibition of sale to and by those below 18 years of age with a specific section on TFG would be an effective approach to ensure policy coherence. Supporting grassroots movements countrywide at the state and/or substate level may activate the process within the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India to table this proposal as an amendment in Section 6 of COTPA for the Parliament to adopt.

Background Males dominate in tobacco usage, as well as in tobacco research, knowing that women face more severe health consequences. There is a specific lack of information on epidemiological statistics, risks, and the level of knowledge among women regarding tobacco. This study examines the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS)-India dataset to estimate female tobacco usage and assess socio-economic variations in tobacco consumption, awareness regarding the adverse effects of tobacco, noticing pack health warnings (PHW), and intention to quit tobacco use well as factors influencing these domains. Methods Using a geographically clustered multistage sampling method, the nationally representative GATS II (2016–17) interviewed 40,265 female respondents aged 15 years and above from all Indian states and union territories. Standard operational definitions were used to estimate the primary independent variables (community, individual, and household categories) and dependent variables like awareness regarding the adverse effects of tobacco, noticing pack health warning (PHW), and intention to quit tobacco. Sampling weights were adjusted while performing the analysis. Bivariate and multivariable analysis were used to generate the estimates. Results Of the total female respondents, 84.2% were never-users, 13.3% ever consumed Smokeless Tobacco (SLT) products, 1.8% ever smoked tobacco, and 0.8% were dual users once in their lives. Around 16% of the women had exposure to Second Hand Smoke (SHS) either at their homes, workplaces or in public places. Overall, maximum awareness was seen among non-smoker females (64.7%) and dual users (64.7%), followed by women exposed to SHS, SLT users, and smokers. PHW was noticed more by the bidi smokers, followed by SLT users and cigarette smokers. Factors that positively affected intention to quit smoking included younger age, secondary school education, self-employed status, the habit of buying packed cigarettes/bidi, believing that smoking causes serious illness, and attempted quitting in the last 12 months. Conclusion A high proportion of women consume tobacco which is significantly influenced by socio-demographic factors. Tobacco regulators should be especially concerned about women as the tobacco marketing experts target them. Mobilizing self-help groups and organizations working for women and children could assist broader campaigns to generate awareness and motivate quitting attempts.

One of the 'best buys' for preventing Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) is to reduce tobacco use. The synergy scenario of NCDs with tobacco use necessitates converging interventions under two vertical programs to address co-morbidities and other collateral benefits. The current study was undertaken with an objective to ascertain the feasibility of integrating a tobacco cessation package into NCD clinics, especially from the perspective of healthcare providers, along with potential drivers and barriers impacting its implementation. A disease-specific, patient-centric, and culturally-sensitive tobacco cessation intervention package was developed (published elsewhere) for the Health Care Providers (HCPs) and patients attending the NCD clinics of Punjab, India. The HCPs received training on how to deliver the package. Between January to April 2020, we conducted a total of 45 in-depth interviews [medical officers (n = 12), counselors (n = 13), program officers (n = 10), and nurses (n = 10)] within the trained cohort across various districts of Punjab until no new information emerged. The interview data wereanalyzed deductively based on six focus areas concerning feasibility studies (acceptability, demand, adaptation, practicality, implementation, and integration) using the 7- step Framework method of qualitative analysis and put under preset themes. The respondent's Mean ± SD age was 39.2± 9.2 years, and years of service in the current position were 5.5 ± 3.7 years. The study participants emphasized the role of HCPs in cessation support (theme: appropriateness and suitability), use of motivational interviewing, 5A's & 5R's protocol learned during the training & tailoring the cessation advice (theme: actual use of intervention activities); preferred face-to-face counseling using regional images, metaphors, language, case vignettes in package (theme: the extent of delivery to intended participants). Besides, they also highlighted various roadblocks and facilitators during implementation at four levels, viz. HCP, facility, patient, and community (theme: barriers and favorable factors); suggested various adaptations to keep the HCPs motivated along with the development of integrated standard operating procedures (SOPs), digitalization of the intervention package, involvement of grassroots level workers (theme: modifications required); the establishment of an inter-programmatic referral system, and a strong politico-administrative commitment (theme: integrational perspectives). The findings suggest that implementing a tobacco cessation intervention package through the existing NCD clinics is feasible, and it forges synergies to obtain mutual benefits. Therefore, an integrated approach at the primary & secondary levels needs to be adopted to strengthen the existing healthcare systems.

BackgroundQuitting tobacco smoking is a complex process, and the transtheoretical model describes the various stages of behaviour change that smokers experience to stop smoking. Predictors of intention to quit and stage of behavioural change could assist policy-makers in establishing tailor-made strategies to offer support.ObjectiveIn the current study, we analysed the determinants of cessation among 9499 current smokers of India recorded during the second Global Adult Tobacco Survey (2016–2017).MethodsBivariate analysis, multivariate analysis (binary logistic regression was performed for past quit attempts and intention to quit smoking in the future; multinomial logistic regression to understand predictors of various stages of change determining cessation behaviour of current smokers) was undertaken.ResultsThe majority of the smokers was men (91.0%), in 25–44 years age group, (42.3%), daily wagers (37.4%) and resided in the rural area (73.3%), with bidi being the most commonly smoked product (72%). Nearly 72% tried to quit without any assistance with 36.6% (precontemplation), 27% (contemplation), 28% (preparation (or action)) and 8.1% in (relapse) stage. Men ((1.049); 95% CI 1.047 to 1.051), the primary (1.192; 95% CI 1.190 to 1.193) as well as higher education, being married (1.231; 95% CI 1.229 to 1.234) and urban residence (1.167; 95% CI 1.1.65 to 1.168) were found to be associated with higher prevalence of previous quit attempts. The regression modelling found out that intent to quit reduced with increasing age and was similarly prevalent with any level of education.ConclusionUnderstanding stages of behavioural change could assist the stakeholders in developing individualised interventions along with the development of intensive cessation protocols in clinical and public health settings.

Background: Tobacco is one of the major behavioral risk factors for noncommunicable diseases in India. Tobacco control depends on public awareness regarding prevalent antitobacco measures. Objectives: The present study documents the understanding of young adults (<25 years) regarding the antitobacco laws and their perception regarding interventions for effective tobacco control. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in two districts of Haryana. A semistructured questionnaire was used to assess tobacco use, participants' awareness of sections 4, 5, 6 (a), and 8 of the Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA, 2003), sources of information about antitobacco laws, and their implementation. The perception of participants about the effectiveness of laws and provisions was assessed using a three-point Likert scale. Results: Of the 1470 participants, 517 (35.2%) smoked or used smokeless products. They reported the media (84.6%) to be the most critical source of information about antitobacco laws, followed by the health department (57.6%) and family/peer group (44.9%). Most participants were aware of the prohibition of smoking in offices or banks, educational institutions, hospitals, and other public places. Both tobacco users and nonusers perceived health education programs to be an effective intervention to reduce tobacco use (P < 0.01). Conclusion: The awareness regarding COTPA has increased among the general population. The media could be a powerful tool to counteract the pro-tobacco cues in society. The need of the hour is to focus on improving compliance with antitobacco laws at the population level to achieve a tobacco-free India.

Background: India has nearly 267 million adult tobacco users, with a slowly improving quitting rate. Among the many approaches to quitting the habit, such as counseling, nicotine replacement therapy, nicotine patch or gum, and prescribed allopathic medicines. Complementary and alternative medicine/therapy (CAM), a thousand-year-old practice in India, may also prove to be a potential method in tobacco cessation; however, there is scarce literature on the extent of use of CAM among tobacco users who attempt to quit the habit. Therefore, this study attempts to examine the potential of CAM as a strategy for tobacco control in India. Material and Methods: We undertook a secondary analysis of the data from both rounds of the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS 2009 and 2016). The dependent variable included in the analysis was the use of traditional medicine as a method for quitting tobacco in three types of users-smokers, smokeless tobacco users, and dual users. The prevalence of CAM use was reported, and Chi-square test was applied to find the factors significantly associated with the use of CAM among tobacco users considering a P value of 0.05 to be statistically significant. Results: The overall prevalence of traditional medicine use for GATS-1 was observed to be more among dual users (4%), while for GATS-2, it was highest among smokers (3%). For both rounds of the GATS survey, the use of traditional medicine was found to be higher among males, rural residents, users with no education or less than primary education, and the eastern region. Conclusions: CAM has a promising potential for supporting tobacco cessation provided a concerted effort is undertaken to standardize pharmacopeia and establish robust clinical evidence. In addition, there is a need to create awareness, build the capacity of healthcare providers, and foster academic-industrial research in indigenous Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (AYUSH) systems.

Background India, one of the largest consumers of tobacco, has seen a dramatic rise in tobacco-attributable deaths over the past three decades. Among proven tobacco control strategies, Pictorial Health Warning Labels (PHWL) are effective and cost-efficient, especially in countries with lower literacy rates. Despite global guidelines under the WHO FCTC and India’s own COTPA legislation, implementation of PHWL has faced sustained resistance from the tobacco industry (TI). This study systematically documents the evolution of PHWL policies in India, highlighting tobacco industry interference (TII) and the resulting delays, modifications, and legal obstructions over five decades. Methods A mixed-methods case study approach was used, involving desk reviews of secondary data sources (1969–2018), key policy documents, internal industry records, and litigation reports. Data were classified into thematic phases and triangulated through expert consultations using a modified Delphi method. Results The study delineates two key generations of PHWL implementation in India (1975–2011 and 2012–2018), identifying recurrent tactics by TI such as lobbying, legal challenges, framing of economic harm narratives, and alignment with front groups. These efforts contributed to repeated policy dilutions, indefinite delays, and selective implementation of PHWL rules. However, sustained pressure by public health advocates, judicial interventions, and government action eventually led to the adoption of 85% front-and-back warnings in 2016, despite persistent opposition. Conclusion The Indian experience reveals the scale and sophistication of TII in delaying tobacco control efforts. The successful implementation of PHWL demonstrates the importance of coordinated legal, civil society, and governmental action. This study underscores the need for robust transparency frameworks and multisectoral resistance to industry interference to protect public health gains.

ABSTRACT Background and Aims: Oropharyngeal leak pressure (OLP) of LMA Protector is reported to be higher compared to other second generation supraglottic devices (SGDs) indicating better seal with patient's airway and hence enhanced safety. To ascertain its benefit in patients undergoing surgeries where head and neck position other than neutral is required, we conducted a prospective randomized study to compare OLP of LMA Protector with LMA-ProSeal (PLMA) with head and neck in neutral, extension, flexion, and rotation position. Methods: 80 American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I-II patients aged more than 18 years undergoing elective surgery under general anaesthesia were recruited. Patients were randomized in the LMA Protector or PLMA group. After induction of anaesthesia, OLP was measured in both the groups in different head and neck position. The insertion characteristics of both SGDs were also recorded and compared. Results: The OLP of LMA Protector and PLMA was found to be comparable in neutral head position (p = 0.08). There was no significant difference in OLP of both devices in extension, flexion, or head rotation. In both the study groups, head extension position led to significant decrease in OLP compared to supine position. With the flexion and rotation positioning of head and neck, significant increase in OLP in each group was noted. Conclusion: The OLP of LMA Protector and PLMA are comparable in different head and neck position. With both the devices, there was significant decrease in OLP with extension whereas significant increase was noted in flexion and rotation of head and neck.