Abstract:

Tobacco addiction is most widespread addiction and it is the most important cause of death in the world. A cross sectional community based study was conducted in Buxar district of Bihar to assess knowledge, attitude and practice regarding Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) and tobacco related health problems in rural setting of Bihar, India. Data regarding awareness about tobacco control law in India, tobacco related health problems, attitude regarding tobacco control law and information on tobacco use were collected by interview method using a questionnaire.

The study shows that awareness of COTPA is low, although knowledge and perception about certain components of the COTPA is relatively higher. Attitude and beliefs of participants regarding COTPA showed that at least half of the participants agreeing that provisions were successful in curbing the consumption of tobacco. The mean scores for knowledge, attitude and practice section did not show any statistically significant difference between tobacco users and non-tobacco users after adjusting for sex, age group, occupation. The data shows significant difference in mean score of attitude section between tobacco users and non-users after adjusting for the education status of the individual, no such difference in seen in knowledge and practice totals.

The survey has pinpointed clear areas where a huge gap in knowledge exists; which could be fixed by effective public private partnership. The availability of adequate knowledge and information will lead to change in the attitude regarding consumption of tobacco products in rural India.

A cross Sectional Study in rural population for knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act among population of Simri village of Simri Block in Buxar district of Bihar in India.

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