Programme and policy perspectives towards a tobacco-free generation in India: findings from a qualitative study

Abstract

ObjectiveThis study explored multistakeholder perspectives on existing adolescent-specific tobacco control policies and programmes, to advance India’s transition towards a tobacco-free generation.DesignQualitative semi-structured interviews.SettingInterviews were conducted with officials involved in tobacco control at the national (India), state (Karnataka), district (Udupi) and village level. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically.ParticipantsThirty-eight individuals representing national (n=9), state (n=9), district (n=14) and village (n=6) levels, participated.ResultsThe study findings highlighted the need to strengthen and amend the existing Tobacco Control Law (2003) provisions, particularly in the vicinity of schools (Sections 6a and 6b). Increasing the minimum legal age to buy tobacco from 18 to 21 years, developing an ‘application’ for ‘compliance and monitoring indicators’ in Tobacco-Free Educational Institution guidelines were proposed. Policies to address smokeless tobacco use, stricter enforcement including regular monitoring of existing programmes, and robust evaluation of policies was underscored. Engaging adolescents to co-create interventions was advocated, along with integrating national tobacco control programmes into existing school and adolescent health programmes, using both an intersectoral and whole-societal approach to prevent tobacco use, were recommended. Finally, stakeholders mentioned that when drafting and implementing a comprehensive national tobacco control policy, there is a need to adopt a vision striving toward a tobacco-free generation.ConclusionStrengthening and developing tobacco control programmes and policies are warranted which are monitored and evaluated rigorously, and where adolescents should be involved, accordingly.

A narrative review of inherited arrhythmogenic syndromes in young population: role of genetic diagnosis in exercise recommendations

“…Knowing the protocol to follow in situations of this type, as well as basic resuscitation manoeuvres (cardiopulmonary resuscitation, CPR), 30 and even the use of public access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs) can help save lives and reduce the impact of possible injuries in these malignant and highly lethal events. 31 In some countries, placement of AEDs in public places such as sports centres/fields, 32 schools, 33 town halls and crowded public squares, 34 to reach the greatest possible number of the population in an event of this type. For this reason, it is crucial to continue with these training and prevention campaigns against SCD in our society.…”