How good is compliance with smoke-free legislation in India? Results of 38 subnational surveys.
Kumar, Ravinder;
Goel, Sonu;
Harries, Anthony D;
Lal, Pranay;
Singh, Rana J;
Kumar, Ajay MV;
Wilson, Nevin C;
(2014)
How good is compliance with smoke-free legislation in India? Results of 38 subnational surveys.
International health, 6 (3).
pp. 189-195.
ISSN 1876-3413
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/inthealth/ihu028
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BACKGROUND: India has been implementing smoke-free legislation since 2008 prohibiting smoking in public places. This study aimed to assess the level of compliance with smoke-free legislation (defined as the presence of no-smoking signage and the absence of active smoking, smoking aids, cigarette butts/bidi ends and smoking smell) and the role of enforcement systems in Indian jurisdictions. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, retrospective review of reports and primary data sheets of surveys conducted in 38 selected jurisdictions across India in 2012-2013. RESULTS: Of 20 455 public places (in 38 jurisdictions), 10 377 (51%) demonstrated full compliance with smoke-free law. Educational institutions and healthcare facilities performed well at 65% and 62%, respectively, while eateries and frequently visited other public places (such as bus stands, railway stations, shopping malls, stadia, cinema halls etc.) performed poorly at 37% and 27%, respectively. Absence of no-smoking signage was the largest contributor to non-compliance across all types of public places. Enforcement systems were present in all jurisdictions, but no associations could be demonstrated between these and smoke-free compliance. CONCLUSION: Smoke-free compliance in public places in India was suboptimal and was mainly related to the absence of no-smoking signage. This warrants further pragmatic and innovative ways to improve the situation.