Implementation of graphic health warnings in Bangladesh - current status and challenges
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1
Dhaka International University, Department of Business Administration, Bangladesh
2
Dhaka International University, Tobacco Control and Research Cell, Bangladesh
3
Work for a Better Bangladesh (WBB) Trust, Health, Bangladesh
Publication date: 2018-03-01
Tob. Induc. Dis. 2018;16(Suppl 1):A218
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ABSTRACT
Background:
Graphic Health
Warning (GHW) in 50% of all tobacco packets/packages has been implemented from 19
March 2016 following the tobacco control (TC) law that amendment in 2013 and
rules notified in 2015. But, there are many small and large tobacco industries
bypass and ignore the TC law in different ways. The study was conducted to
identify and show the current GHW implementation and challenges in Bangladesh
and the sample collection period of the study was January 2017 to April 2017.
Methods:
Out of 64,
survey was conducted in 25 Districts and
both qualitative and quantitative techniques, semi structured questionnaire and
observational methods used to conduct the study. GHWs in all types of tobacco
products were observed. 3 retail shops and 3 wholesale shops selected from each
district. A research team was developed and
organized a workshop regarding tobacco control law and GHW implementation for
effectiveness and quality of the study and Excel software was used to analyze
the data.
Results:
Total 5234 tobacco products was investigated, 1757 smoking
tobacco (1497 Cigarette packets and 260 Bidi packets) and 3477 smokeless
tobacco (3263 different packs of Jarda and 214 Gul). Study found that, 34%
Bidi, 25% Jarda and 15% Gul in market without GHW. 64% bidi, 75% Jarda, 85% Gul
provide GHWs, but among these, 50% bidi, 45% jarda and 30% gul doesn't follow
law. It shows that, excluding cigarettes packets, bidi and smokeless tobacco
vastly ignore about GHWs section of law. Absence of manufacturing date and
different size/forms of smokeless tobacco and bidi packets, it is very
difficult to measure GHWs implementation on all tobacco products.
Conclusions:
Its necessary to
ensure uniform packets for smokeless tobacco and bidi with date of manufacture
and monitoring for effective implementation of GHW provisions in Bangladesh.