Implementation and awareness of tobacco control policy in Ragama town

Abstract

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Sri Lanka implemented the National Authority for Tobacco and Alcohol (NATA) Act No 27 of 2006, the first designated legislature for tobacco control in 2006. This study aimed to observe the implementation of tobacco control in terms of the NATA Act and awareness of the tobacco control legislature among the public in Ragama town. METHODS: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted using observation checklists at public places (n=5) and commercial establishments (n=l 1) and interviewer administered questionnaires among 384 adult males and females at public places and employers/ employees of commercial establishments and public places. RESULTS: Smoking was observed in 60%(n=3) public smoke free areas and NO SMOKING sign was available in 20%(n=l). Cigarettes for sale were kept visibly in 27.3% (n=3) commercial establishments, and 9.1%(n=l) provided supportive facilities for smoking (lighters/ ashtrays) violating the Act. Only 18.8%(n=2) had the sign 'no tobacco will be sold below 21 years'. 81% of the total population who were aware of the NATA Act, had learnt about it via television (56%) or newspaper (51 %). Over 90% were aware of the legal age for tobacco sales and their legal right to protest against public smoking. 77.7% of smokers and 87.2% of non-smokers were aware of the NATA Act. 72% of the general public and 72% of employer/es of commercial establishments had good knowledge of the legislature. CONCLUSION: The public of Ragama are well aware of the details of the NATA Act. However, the implementation of the act is inadequate in public places or commercial establishments.