MPOWER Measures and Its Effect on Tobacco Control: A Cross-sectional Comparison of Global Adult Tobacco Surveys, India

Abstract

Objectives: To study the MPOWER measures over time (GATS-1 vs GATS-2) and their effects on tobacco control indicators in India. Study Design and Methods: The study used a cross-sectional design to compare the common questions identified from GATS-1 and GATS-2. Odds ratios for various MPOWER measures were estimated using a multivariate logistic regression model. Results: Compared with GATS-1, the current any tobacco use was reduced by 32% in females and 17% in males in GATS-2 (M-measures). The P-measures have reduced across the survey periods. Under O-measures, compared with mixed users, only the male smokeless tobacco (SLT) users reported receiving more advice from a doctor to quit and reported trying more to stop SLT use. Compared with never users (W-measures), the health warnings were noticed on SLT products more by past users, smokers (males), and SLT users, while it was noticed on cigarette packages more by male past users and smokers. Promotion (E-measures) of cigarette and bidi was reported more by smokers (including mixed users), and promotion of SLT product was reported more by smokers (including mixed users) and male SLT users than by never users. Conclusion: Overall, MPOWER measures have shown improvement, with most changes highly reported by the never users and past users than by the current tobacco users. Stringent methods for the enforcement of MPOWER measures to reach all forms of tobacco users and integration of the National Tobacco Control Programme with other national health programs are imperative for highest achievements. Also, specific targeted strategies for the effective control of SLT use are highly recommended to be included in the MPOWER package.