Introduction Rapid urbanization and industrialization drives the rising burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) worldwide that are characterized by uptake of unhealthy lifestyle such as tobacco and alcohol use, physical inactivity and unhealthy diet. In India, the prevalence of various NCDs and its risk factors shows wide variations across geographic regions necessitating region-specific evidence for population-based prevention and control of NCDs. Objective To estimate the prevalence of behavioral and biological risk factors of NCDs among adult population (18–69 years) in the Puducherry district located in Southern part of India. Methodology We surveyed adults using the World Health Organization (WHO) prescribed STEPwise approach to NCD surveillance (STEPS) during February 2019 to February 2020. A total of 2560 individuals were selected from urban and rural areas (50 clusters in each) through multi-stage cluster random sampling method. STEPS instrument was used to assess behavioral and physical measurements. Fasting blood sample was collected to estimate biochemical risk factors (Diabetes, Hypercholesterolemia) of NCDs. Results Among men, alcohol use 40.4% (95% CI: 37.4–43.4) was almost twice higher compared to tobacco use 24.4% (95% CI: 21.7–26.9). Nearly half of the population was physically inactive 45.8% (95% CI: 43.8–47.8) and obese 46.1% (95% CI: 44–48.1). Hypertension and diabetes mellitus were present among one-third 33.6% (95% CI: 31.6–35.5) and one-fourth 26.7% (95% CI: 24.1–29.1) of the population which were significantly higher among men (37.1% vs 30.8% and 31.6% vs 23.2% respectively). Physical inactivity and overweight/obesity increased with increasing education levels. Tobacco and alcohol use was more common among men, whereas physical inactivity with obesity and hypercholesterolemia was higher among women. Conclusion We found high prevalence of various NCDs and its risk factors among the adult population of Puducherry district.
Background The Tobacco Industry (henceforth TI) yearns to portray itself as being “socially responsible” and fights for the decision-making positions; that are it used to deter, delay or dilute tobacco control measures. There is little documented evidence of Tobacco Industry Interference (henceforth TII) from India, the scope of their interference and challenges faced by the experts for effective tobacco control. This research study seeks to cover this significant gap in the literature on the TI of India. Methods A cross-sectional qualitative research design, based upon in-depth interviews (N = 26), was used to explore the key stakeholders’ opinions regarding TII in India. The interviews used a set of questions to collect information about the participant’s roles and responsibilities in tobacco control, the nature of TII faced by the participants, means of influence by TI, barriers and challenges to tobacco control efforts. Results Most of the respondents were engaged in tobacco control, training, advocacy and awareness generation activities for 5–10 years or more. The respondents defined the TI and its scope as per their experience with the help of the power ranking methodology. Most of them perceived TI as ‘manufacturers’ while others consider them as ‘advertisers’, ‘public relation companies’, ‘wholesalers’, ‘vendors’, and ‘Government firms with TI stocks. The research team identified six significant domains: influencing the policy and administrative decisions, Interference in the implementation of tobacco control laws and activities, false propaganda and hiding the truth, manipulating front action groups (FAG), rampant tobacco advertising and promotion activities and others under which TII activities were classified. Most respondents believed that TI players were interfering in the policy decisions, implementing the tobacco control laws and activities and manipulating the FAG. A detailed taxonomic classification of the TII strategies that emerged from our analysis was linked to article 5.3 of FCTC. Conclusions The study documented a significant level of TII in different domains, with stakeholders acting at various hierarchical levels. Thus providing insight into the tactics of the TI in order to enable stakeholders to anticipate and pre-empt the kinds of alliances the TI may attempt to build; stimulating academicians and researchers to undertake in-depth analysis into various strategies and therefore underscoring the need to ensuring transparency in official interaction with the TI and its representatives.
Background: Tobacco Industry (TI) strives to portray itself as being “socially responsible” and contest for pertinent decision-making positions, which it uses to deter, delay or dilute tobacco control measures. There is little documented evidence of Tobacco Industry Interference (TII) from India, the scope of their interference and challenges faced by the experts for effective tobacco control.Methods: A cross-sectional qualitative research design, based upon in-depth interviews (N=26), was used to explore the opinion of key stakeholders regarding TII in India. The interview schedule collected information about the socio-demographic information of the study participant, the participant’s roles and responsibilities in tobacco control, the nature of TII faced by the participant, means of influence by TI, barriers and challenges to tobacco control efforts using a set of questions. Principles of the ‘grounded theory’ were used to understand beliefs and thoughts of key-experts about TII in India, its interactions and interference at various levels. Results: Most of the respondents were engaged in tobacco control, training, advocacy, and awareness generation activities from the last 5-10 years or more. The respondents defined the TI and its scope as per their experience. We identified six major domains (Influencing the policy and administrative decisions, Interference with implementation of tobacco control laws and activities, False propaganda and hiding the truth, manipulating front action groups, Rampant tobacco advertising and promotion activities, and others) under which TII activities can be classified comprehensively. Conclusions: The activity documented a significant level of TII in different domains with stakeholders acting at various hierarchical levels. This can help to provide insights about the nefarious tactics of TI, enable stakeholders to anticipate and pre-empt the kinds of alliances the TI may attempt to build, stimulate academicians and researchers to undertake in-depth analysis into various strategies and underscore the need for ensuring transparency in official interactions with the TI and their representatives.
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