Compliance with Tobacco Control Policies and Global Youth Tobacco Survey: A Cross-Sectional Comparison between GYTS 2000 and 2015 in Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Background
Tobacco is the leading avertable cause of death in the world. Adolescents are the most vulnerable population to initiate the use of tobacco. Most adult users start tobacco use in their childhood or adolescence. The Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) was design to obtain information on tobacco use, exposure to tobacco smoke and other related indicators among adolescent. This study aims to compare the GYTS data between 2000 and 2015 for the state of Maharashtra in India.
Methods
The GYTS is a school-based two-stage cluster design survey of students aged 13-15 years. This was a self-administered cross sectional survey conducted in Maharashtra using standardized GYTS questionnaire. To record student survey responses, in 2000 optically readable answer sheets and in 2015 tablets were used. For statistical data analysis SPSS 20.0 was used.
Results
Between 2000 and 2015 the prevalence of tobacco use reduced from 17% to 11% among boys and 14.5% to 8.5% among girls. Age of tobacco initiation has shifted from 11 years or younger (~70%) in 2000 to older than 11 years (~70%) in 2015. Proportion of students who received pocket money increased from 20.2% to 42.7% for boys and 18.7% to 33.8% for girls in 2015. Discussions about harmful effects of tobacco in schools and at home had reduced from 2000 to 2015. Distribution of free tobacco products decreased over the years, however sale of tobacco products to minors and sale around educational institutions continued.
Conclusion
Prevalence of overall tobacco use has decreased. Strengthening the existing Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) laws and improving implementation and effective monitoring will not only reduce youth’s tobacco use but might restrict future initiation among youths. Continuous tobacco education at home and at school will further strengthen the tobacco control efforts.