WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Articles 9 and 10 implementation for sustainable tobacco control-a scoping review protocol.

Abstract

Introduction: Tobacco consumption continues to pose a substantial global public health threat, resulting in more than 8 million preventable deaths annually. The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) negotiated as the first global public health treaty under the auspices of the WHO, which serves as a critical instrument in combating the global tobacco epidemic. The WHO FCTC prioritizes a comprehensive approach that addresses both the demand for and supply side interventions for curbing tobacco epidemic globally. Strong evidence demonstrates the efficacy of these measures in safeguarding individuals, regardless of age, from tobacco initiation, and the associated harms. WHO FCTC Article 9 and 10 emphasizes upon testing and disclosure of tobacco product contents. This scoping review aims to explore the Implementation Landscape of WHO FCTC Articles 9 and 10 globally by adopting Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) framework.

Methods: The planned scoping review will adhere to the methodology outlined by "Arksey and O'Malley and Levac et al." Through an exhaustive search strategy, relevant literature published from 2013 onwards will be sourced from databases including PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, government websites, and reports. A predetermined set of criteria for study inclusion and exclusion will be applied independently by four reviewers to assess study eligibility. The findings will be synthesized narratively and qualitatively analyzed, incorporating the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) framework for discussion and outlining. The review will adhere to the reporting standards outlined in the "Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses Extension for Scoping Review (PRISMA-ScR)" guidelines.

Conclusions/discussion: Analyzing the implementation of FCTC Articles 9 and 10 across global contexts is expected to offer valuable insights into the need for context-specific adjustments and customized interventions. Understanding regional variations in efforts to regulate tobacco products is crucial for formulating specific strategies that effectively address cultural, economic, and regulatory challenges. This comparative examination has the potential to guide policymakers, public health professionals, and researchers in optimizing tobacco control initiatives to expedite progress toward effective implementation of Articles 9 and 10 in both the WHO-SEAR region and globally.

Ethics approval: This review will identify the landscape of the implementation of WHO FCTC Article 9 and 10. This review will also identify the best practices, policies, and strategies across the globe. An ethics committee approval was not sought for this since this involve secondary data.