Compliance to the tobacco-free educational institution policy (ToFEI study) in urban areas of selected districts of Karnataka: A situational analysis

Background: Youth smoking is a major concern as the average age at which people start smoking has been declining in recent years. Strengthening tobacco control policies at educational institutions (EI) will prevent the access to tobacco products for minors. The current study aims to assess teacher's knowledge and compliance to tobacco-free-educational-institution (ToFEI) policy. Methods: Four districts of a south Indian state were chosen for the study. A face-to-face interview with approximately 50 head teachers from respective districts was carried out by a trained interviewer to assess the compliance to ToFEI guidelines. The shops within 100 yards of EI were visited to confirm the sale of tobacco using geographic information system. Results: A total of 234 EI were surveyed, of which 79 (33.8%) institutions had ‘tobacco-free institution’ board. A display board prohibiting tobacco sale within 100 yards of school was present in 175 (74.8%) institutions. A total of 733 shops were found around 195 EI and of them, 9.7% (71/733) shops were selling tobacco products. Conclusion: Despite the existence of tobacco-free school guidelines in India, there was a lacunae in compliance with provisions of guidelines among various EIs across Karnataka state. With nearly one-fifth of institutions having shops that sell tobacco within 100-yard of institutions, further laxity in implementation of tobacco control activities can be a threat and can lead to easy availability of tobacco products and attract more students to use the lethal products.