Knowledge, perception, and practices of teaching and nonteaching staff members regarding tobacco use surveillance before and after implementing the Tobacco-Free School Program: A serial cross-sectional study

Abstract

Abstract Aims and Objectives: The present study assessed the knowledge, perceptions, and behaviors related to tobacco use surveillance among both teaching and nonteaching staff members before and after implementing the “Tobacco Free School” intervention. This initiative targeted establishing tobacco-free environments, specifically in Marathi medium-high schools within the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, Pune District, Maharashtra, India. Materials and Methods: Data for the serial cross-sectional study were gathered using a validated questionnaire administered to teaching and nonteaching staff members at these schools at baseline and follow-up. The intervention was conducted in three schools between June 2019 and September 2020. The number and percentage for each question concerning knowledge, perception, and practice were calculated with a confidence interval of 95% and a P value of <0.05 considered significant. The McNemar test was employed to assess whether there was a significant difference between pre- and post-study results. Results and Discussion: Ninety percent of teachers demonstrated awareness of the law. Familiarity with two specific sections of Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act 2003: Sections 4 and 6 showed a 39% difference in knowledge acquired between pre- and post-study results. Staff members were better aware of the tobacco vendors setting up shop outside the educational institution post-survey (P = 0.03). Conclusion: Staff members learned about tobacco products’ content, ill effects, and better-perceived tobacco control. Based on the respondent’s reply (61%) on the presence of tobacco vendors within 100 yards, the offending vendor’s picture was uploaded on the “Tobacco Monitor App” so that prompt action could be initiated by the State Tobacco Control Cell.