Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health最新文献

{"title":"Edible oil consumption in Puducherry: A sequential exploratory mixed methods study","authors":"Sombuddha Biswas ,&nbsp;Athira Menon ,&nbsp;Namita Patel ,&nbsp;Chandru Sivamani ,&nbsp;Haripriya Sundaramoorthy ,&nbsp;Subitha Lakshminarayanan","doi":"10.1016/j.cegh.2025.101998","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cegh.2025.101998","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Among dietary factors that influences non-communicable diseases, edible oils (EO) play a crucial role due to the types of fat they contain, as well as the methods of processing, storage, and cooking practices. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the factors influencing household choices of EOs and cooking practices, and to determine the quantity and patterns of EO consumption among households in Puducherry, South India.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A sequential exploratory mixed-methods study was conducted between February 2023 and March 2024 in Puducherry. The qualitative phase included key-informant and in-depth interviews with subject experts, EO shop dealers, and eligible adults responsible for household cooking. Data saturation was achieved after five IDIs and five KIIs. The quantitative phase involved a structured questionnaire and a 24-h dietary recall administered to 205 adults, selected using multi-stage cluster sampling. Intake analysis was done with DietSoft software.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The qualitative analysis identified five major themes: consumer behaviour and preferences, cooking practices and oil usage, sourcing and storage, industry practices, and strategies for promoting healthy EO consumption. About 72.4 % of participants were female, with a mean age of 46.1 years. Groundnut oil (56.7 %) and sunflower oil (52.8 %) were the commonly used oils. Most of the participants (61.2 %) bought oil from supermarkets and stored it in plastic containers (42.1 %). The mean (SD) of total energy intake was 2230.6 kcal (461.9), with 33.0 % (10.8 %) of energy from fat. Saturated fat intake was within safe limits, while polyunsaturated fat intake was below recommendations.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This study highlights the diverse factors influencing EO consumption patterns and cooking practices. A multi-pronged approach is necessary to targeting consumers as well as stakeholder for enabling healthier EO practices.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46404,"journal":{"name":"Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health","volume":"33 ","pages":"Article 101998"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143799818","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Saudi in vaso-occlusive crisis accessing healthcare for pain management: A qualitative study","authors":"Jawhrah Alqahtani","doi":"10.1016/j.cegh.2025.102011","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cegh.2025.102011","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Adults with sickle cell disease often experience vaso-occlusive crises, leading to frequent healthcare visits and increased disparities in care. The pain management experiences of sickle cell disease patients are underexplored, especially in Saudi Arabia, contributing to prolonged suffering.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To explore the lived experiences of Saudi Arabian adults with sickle cell disease when accessing healthcare for vaso-occlusive crisis pain management.</div></div><div><h3>Design</h3><div>A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews.</div></div><div><h3>Setting(s)</h3><div>The study was conducted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between November and December 2021.</div></div><div><h3>Participants</h3><div>12 adults with sickle cell disease were recruited through purposeful and snowball sampling.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Data were analyzed using Moustakas's transcendental phenomenology, focusing on the lived experiences of participants.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Four themes emerged: (a) <em>enduring suffering, (b) crying out for understanding, (c) paradoxes in healthcare access, and (d) longing beyond suffering</em>. Participants expressed deep pain and frustration, desiring better recognition of their pain and more compassionate, informed care. They reported that healthcare interactions often felt inadequate, with long waits and insufficient treatment, leading to feelings of isolation and distress. Acknowledging their suffering and providing empathetic, well-informed care could alleviate these issues and help them move beyond their pain toward hope and better quality of life.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46404,"journal":{"name":"Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health","volume":"33 ","pages":"Article 102011"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143739679","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Linking Diet and Homocysteine to complexity of coronary artery disease using SYNTAX score – A cross sectional study","authors":"Sowndarya Kollampare ,&nbsp;Anupama Hegde ,&nbsp;Arpit Jain ,&nbsp;Padmanabh Kamath ,&nbsp;Ramya Shenoy ,&nbsp;Poornima A. Manjrekar","doi":"10.1016/j.cegh.2025.102012","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cegh.2025.102012","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Hyperhomocystinemia (HHcy) attributed to various causes is considered an independent risk factor in the development and progression of coronary artery disease (CAD). Homocysteine (Hcy) levels are affected by aging, renal dysfunction, hypothyroidism, oral hypoglycemics, dietary deficiency of folic acid (FA), vitamin B6, B12 (B12) and genetic defects. Influence of diet on Hcy and its relation to SYNTAX score was evaluated in newly diagnosed CAD.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in 160 patients aged 40–59 years diagnosed as CAD by the Cardiologist at a tertiary healthcare center. SYNTAX score was calculated using a computer program. Hcy was estimated on the COBAS Pro c503, vitamin B12 (B12) and FA levels were estimated on the COBAS Pro e801 using ROCHE kits.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>HHcy (&gt;15 μmol/L) was detected in 82 CAD patients and the point estimate of odds ratio was 1.157 with 95 % CI (1.056–1.267) of CAD. CAD patients with HHcy were labelled as Group I; Group II were those with Normal Homocysteine (NHcy) (≤15 μmol/L; n = 78). Hcy had a statistically significant correlation to SYNTAX score (Group I: r = 0.429; Group II: r = 0.233). Majority (n = 65) of Group I were vegetarians showing equal prevalence of high and intermediate risk SYNTAX score. Among them, substantial patients (n = 48) were found to have combined B12 and FA deficiency. Significant number (n = 57) of Group II patients had low risk SYNTAX score irrespective of deficient or sufficient B12/FA status.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>HHcy was a common finding in nutritionally compromised vegetarian CAD patients contributing to higher risk SYNTAX score.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46404,"journal":{"name":"Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health","volume":"33 ","pages":"Article 102012"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143735265","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Health and socio-economic factors as determinants of antenatal care service access in Indonesia","authors":"Mangatas Silaen ,&nbsp;Sri Rahayu ,&nbsp;Ida Aryanti ,&nbsp;Andjar Prasetyo ,&nbsp;Sri Wahyuni ,&nbsp;Tugas Tri Wahyono ,&nbsp;Sumarno ,&nbsp;Titi Mumfangati ,&nbsp;Irmawan ,&nbsp;Herie Saksono ,&nbsp;Arnis Rachmadhani ,&nbsp;Yustina Hastrini Nur ,&nbsp;Baso Marannu","doi":"10.1016/j.cegh.2025.102010","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cegh.2025.102010","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study examines the relationship between well-being dimensions and access to antenatal care services in Indonesia using data from 34 provinces. Linear regression analysis across three models reveals: health, nutrition, housing, and food dimensions explain 88.1 % of the variation in initial antenatal care (Model 1); nutrition, social protection, and food dimensions account for 58.6 % of the variation in first-trimester antenatal care (Model 2); and health, nutrition, and food dimensions explain 67.2 % of the variation in receiving antenatal care at least four times (Model 3). These findings underscore the significance of health, nutrition, and socio-economic factors in enhancing the coverage of antenatal care services.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46404,"journal":{"name":"Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health","volume":"33 ","pages":"Article 102010"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143735266","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Emergence of scrub typhus-associated neurological signs in central India: An unusual manifestation in febrile illness cases in Madhya Pradesh, India","authors":"Gayatri Sondhiya ,&nbsp;Prakash Tiwari ,&nbsp;HV Manjunathachar ,&nbsp;Vivek Chouksey ,&nbsp;Pradeep Tiwari ,&nbsp;Pradip V. Barde ,&nbsp;Chandrashekhar G. Raut ,&nbsp;Tapas Chakma ,&nbsp;Harpreet Kaur ,&nbsp;Pushpendra Singh","doi":"10.1016/j.cegh.2025.102000","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cegh.2025.102000","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Problem considered</h3><div>Scrub typhus, a re-emerging zoonotic infection, often manifests as acute undifferentiated febrile illness (AUF), posing a significant epidemiological threat in tropical and subtropical regions. Its nonspecific clinical presentation complicates timely diagnosis, increasing the risk of severe morbidity. Understanding its epidemiology and clinical characteristics is crucial for effective disease control, particularly in areas prone to outbreaks.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This prospective cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence and clinical features of scrub typhus through detailed patient history, clinical examination, and commercial IgM ELISA, following DHR guidelines.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Among 911 AUF patients from tribal-dominated regions of Madhya Pradesh, India, 22.3% [95% CI: 19.6–25.1] were seropositive for anti- O<em>. tsutsugamushi</em>-specific IgM antibodies, indicating widespread transmission across 17 of 24 districts, particularly in tribal populations, between August 2018 and July 2020. Patient ages ranged from 9 months to 86 years, with 41.2% under 15 years and 35.5% in the working-age group (31–60 years). Notably, 16.7% of seropositive patients exhibited nervous system involvement alongside other clinical signs. Both genders showed similar susceptibility, and 32.3% of seropositive cases reported fever lasting 7–15 days. Peak seropositivity was observed during the monsoon at 38%, followed by the post-monsoon period at 20.4%.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study demonstrates the significant burden of scrub typhus in tribal regions of Madhya Pradesh, India, with high seropositivity during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. The association of prolonged fever with organ involvement emphasize the need for early detection, inclusion of scrub typhus in differential diagnoses, and region-specific preventive measures, particularly in endemic areas like Central India.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46404,"journal":{"name":"Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health","volume":"33 ","pages":"Article 102000"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143735267","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Trends, Geographic patterns and Determinants of Caesarean sections in Karnataka: Insights from the National Family Health Survey","authors":"Deepa Durgadasimi ,&nbsp;Anjugam Sugavanam ,&nbsp;Vaishali R N","doi":"10.1016/j.cegh.2025.102007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cegh.2025.102007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The rising Caesarean section (C-section) rates in India, including Karnataka, raise concerns about over-medicalization. C-sections, when medically indicated, can be lifesaving; however, their unnecessary use poses risks to both mothers and infants. This study aims to investigate the trends, geographic patterns, and determinants of C-section deliveries in Karnataka, utilizing data from NFHS.</div></div><div><h3>Material &amp;methods</h3><div>This study utilized NFHS-5 data on women who delivered in the past five years, along with earlier rounds (NFHS-1 to NFHS-4) to assess trends. Descriptive statistics were used to show trends and geographic distribution, while inferential statistics including logistic regression were used to identify determinants of C-sections. Key variables included maternal age, education, wealth, residence, and healthcare facility type.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The study found a significant rise in C-section rates across Karnataka, from 3 % in NFHS-1 to 31.5 % in NFHS-5 with higher rates in southern districts. Key determinants include higher maternal age, education, economic status, and private health facilities, where odds of C-section were 3.7 times higher (OR = 3.77; 95 % CI: 3.14–4.17) than in public facilities. Women with pregnancy complications (OR = 0.5017; 95 % CI: 0.44–0.56) were less likely to have C-sections than those without complications.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The study underscores the growing trend of C-sections, especially in private healthcare settings. Efforts are needed to ensure that C-sections are performed based on medical necessity rather than convenience or economic incentives, to safeguard maternal and infant health in Karnataka.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46404,"journal":{"name":"Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health","volume":"33 ","pages":"Article 102007"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143724606","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cognitive function and psychological well-being in older adults with sensorineural hearing loss: An Egyptian perspective","authors":"Heba G. Saber ,&nbsp;Fathy N. Fatouh ,&nbsp;Anas Askoura ,&nbsp;Ghada O. Wassif ,&nbsp;Enas R. Mohamed","doi":"10.1016/j.cegh.2025.102008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cegh.2025.102008","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is a common condition among older adults and is increasingly recognized as a risk factor for cognitive decline and psychological distress. Hearing impairment can lead to reduced social engagement, functional limitations, and a higher risk of depression, negatively impacting quality of life. This study investigates the cognitive function and psychological well-being of older Egyptians with SNHL by assessing their daily activity performance and mental health status.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A cross-sectional study was conducted among 114 participants aged 60 years or older diagnosed with SNHL using Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA). Functional and psychological assessments were performed using the Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) to evaluate independence and mental health.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>SNHL severity was significantly associated with age, lower education, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, and ototoxic drug use. Functional impairments (ADL/IADL) and depression were strongly linked to SNHL, underscoring its impact on independence and mental health. Ordinal regression confirmed hypertension and ototoxic drug exposure as key predictors of SNHL severity.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>&amp; Recommendations: SNHL severity is significantly associated with demographic, clinical, and functional factors, reinforcing its impact on cognitive function and psychological well-being in older adults. Early screening, particularly for high-risk individuals with chronic conditions, is crucial. Preventive strategies such as blood pressure control, cautious use of ototoxic drugs, and hearing conservation programs are recommended to reduce SNHL-related health burdens and improve the quality of life for older adults.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46404,"journal":{"name":"Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health","volume":"33 ","pages":"Article 102008"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143706134","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Trends in cervical cancer incidence in the United States from 2000-2019","authors":"Yu-yi Ou ,&nbsp;Zi-Jun Lin ,&nbsp;Santosh Chokkakula ,&nbsp;Siomui Chong ,&nbsp;Xiaohua Xu ,&nbsp;Liying Huang ,&nbsp;Andrew In-Cheong Si Md ,&nbsp;Jiang Yong ,&nbsp;Chengliang Yin ,&nbsp;Jun Lyu ,&nbsp;Xiao-bin Huang","doi":"10.1016/j.cegh.2025.102002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cegh.2025.102002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Cervical cancer remains a significant public health issue globally and in the United States (US). Understanding the patterns of disease occurrence and identifying at-risk populations is crucial. This study aimed to assess the impact of age, menstrual cycle, and birth cohort on cervical cancer incidence, with a focus on identifying the most vulnerable demographic groups.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) 17 database, which included cervical cancer cases diagnosed between 2000 and 2019. Age-period-cohort (APC) modeling and joinpoint analysis were employed to examine trends in cervical cancer incidence across various age groups, racial categories, tumor stages, and sizes. Age-standardized incidence rates (ASIRs) and their 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess temporal and demographic variations.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Cervical cancer incidence demonstrated a fluctuating trend from 2000 to 2019, with an initial decline followed by a slight increase from 2013 onward. The annual growth rate post-2013 was 0.3 % (95 % CI: −0.7 %–1.4 %). Age-specific analysis revealed a significant decrease in incidence for the 20–24 age group and an increase for the 40–44 age group, which reached its peak during the study period. A reduction in incidence was also observed for localized and distant tumor stages, as well as smaller tumors.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Between 2000 and 2019, cervical cancer incidence varied across age groups, with individuals aged 40–44 years showing a marked increase in susceptibility. These findings highlight the importance of targeted intervention strategies for vulnerable populations and provide insights into the temporal dynamics of cervical cancer incidence.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46404,"journal":{"name":"Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health","volume":"33 ","pages":"Article 102002"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143724609","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparative efficacy and safety of tigecycline vs colistin for Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) infections in cancer patients","authors":"Sai Vaibhavi Gumudavelli ,&nbsp;Akshay Shelke ,&nbsp;Pallavi Priya ,&nbsp;Richa Chauhan ,&nbsp;Sameer Dhingra","doi":"10.1016/j.cegh.2025.101996","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cegh.2025.101996","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) infections pose a significant threat owing to their high mortality rates and limited treatment options, exacerbated by antibiotic misuse and the spread of resistance genes.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aimed to compare the effectiveness, safety, and outcomes of tigecycline and colistin in the treatment of CRE infections in cancer patients.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A 9-month prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary-care cancer hospital in Bihar, India. The study included 150 patients with CRE infections divided into tigecycline (n = 90) and colistin (n = 60) groups.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Patients receiving tigecycline had higher levels of direct bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, and creatinine. However, tigecycline was associated with shorter hospital stays (13.73 vs 17.45 days, p = 0.016) and therapy durations (5.7 vs 7.3 days, p = 0.04). Infection recurrence rates (3.3 % vs. 5 %) and 30-day mortality rates (17.6 % vs. 18.9 %, p = 0.663) were similar between the two groups.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Both tigecycline and colistin were effective in treating CRE infections in patients with cancer. Although tigecycline was associated with improved hospital stay and therapy duration, it also showed potential liver and kidney function adverse effects. These findings highlight the need for careful consideration of treatment options for CRE infections in patients with cancer.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46404,"journal":{"name":"Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health","volume":"33 ","pages":"Article 101996"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143724885","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Compliance to select sections of cigarettes and other tobacco products act (COTPA) around PoS and perception of tobacco vendors about tobacco control policies and vendor licensing: A mixed method study from four districts of a South Indian state","authors":"Sneha D. Mallya ,&nbsp;Praveen Kumar ,&nbsp;Rohith Bhagawath ,&nbsp;Afraz Jahan ,&nbsp;Radhika Nayak ,&nbsp;Muralidhar M. Kulkarni","doi":"10.1016/j.cegh.2025.101999","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cegh.2025.101999","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Problem considered</h3><div>Tobacco control is challenging due to the easy availability of tobacco products and the sub-optimal implementation of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA). Preventing tobacco uptake and controlling sales requires innovative approaches. The study was conducted to assess compliance with relevant sections of COTPA and understand the perception of tobacco vendors about tobacco control policies, including the new vendor licensing initiative.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate compliance with section 4, 5, 6 and 20 of COTPA across four city corporations of Karnataka using a checklist at the point of sale (PoS). A fixed point was randomly chosen in each city corporation, and the research team visited consecutive shops in a clockwise direction until the required number was reached. A qualitative study using in-depth interviews was conducted among vendors selling tobacco products to understand their perception of current tobacco control policies and vendor licensing.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Out of 1379 shops surveyed across four city corporations of Karnataka, 616 (44.6 %) were selling tobacco products. Compliance to various provisions of section 4,5,6 and 20 of COTPA was suboptimal. Vendors said that only strict implementation of COTPA provisions can aid in tobacco control. Vendors displayed a positive attitude toward the new vendor licensing law. They emphasized the requirement of a simple procedure and expected the tobacco industry to support them in obtaining the license. Vendors opined that a higher fee for licensing could act as a deterrent to continue tobacco sales.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The survey highlights significant tobacco sales among shops in Karnataka, with nearly half involved. Despite suboptimal compliance with COTPA provisions, vendors show willingness to adhere if strictly enforced. Positive reception towards the new vendor licensing law suggests a streamlined process could enhance compliance. However, vendors' expectation of support from the tobacco industry for licensing requires caution, as it may influence tobacco control measures. Higher licensing fees might discourage tobacco sales, aiding control efforts.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46404,"journal":{"name":"Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health","volume":"33 ","pages":"Article 101999"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143739678","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}