Introduce Standard Packaging for Smokeless Tobacco and Bidi for Effective Implementation of Pictorial Warnings in Bangladesh

Background

n Bangladesh 37.8 million adults currently used tobacco in different format. Among these 19.2 million adults used tobacco in smoking format (15 million used cigarettes & 5.3 million used bidi). 22 million adults (16.2% men and 24.8% women) currently used smokeless tobacco (GATS 2017). The report shows that the smokeless tobacco user is higher than smoking tobacco. As per Bangladesh Cancer Society total 12.6 million people died for using tobacco in Bangladesh, which makes total expenses 30,570 Coror Bangladeshi taka in a year.

Objectives

The primary objectives of the study was to identify the distribution policy of Smokeless and bidi and the major objectives were to measure the obstacles for implementation of Pictorial warnings and find out the best/suitable packets for effective implementation of GHWs for Smokeless and Bidi.

Methodology

Cross sectional study design, quantitative and qualitative approaches have been used to conduct the study. In qualitative approach observational methods and checklist form were developed to collect the primary data. Checklist form was developed on the basis of section 10 of tobacco control law in Bangladesh. All types of tobacco products (all Varity and unique pack as per availability) was observed for GHW implementation as per law (all contents of section 10) and three retail shops and three wholesale shops was selected in a big market area (Mostly Public Gathering Place) from a district. Purposive sampling methods and systematic technique was followed. Data were collected by using GHWs monitoring software from all 64 districts by 8 cycles in 8 different times. 8 Districts and sub-districts were selected covering from all 8 divisions in a cycle. Data collection period were selected on the basis of tobacco control law. As per law tobacco industry must change rotationally the image of GHWs (In every three months). That’s why data collection period was on the three months. All types of tobacco products (as per availability and unique pack) were observed for GHW implementation as per law and at least three retail shops and three wholesale shops were selected in a big market area from each district.

Findings and Results

Total 10,641 packets were collected and analyzed that covered all 64 districts and sub-districts which include 270 big market areas and 583 wholesale shops. The study were found 10, 12 and 20 stick size paper packet using for cigarette manufacturing and 20 and 25 sticks filter and non-filter normal paper round shape packets used for bidi packaging. GHWs implementation and monitoring is very complex on Jordha/Zordha because different size, shapes, structures and ingredients of the packet. The study were found 42% Tin Casket/Box, 34% Plastic Casket/Box, 16% poly pack and 8% others forms used for Jordha/Zordha packaging. On the other hand GHWs implementation is very challenge on Gul pack because of small round shape plastic box used for packaging.

Besides Tobacco Industry using attractive clour, Mosque theme design, Halal, Arabic Letter, Indian packets design with hindi letter, religious brand name, logo and clour (Muslim and Hindu) for draw customer attention. SLT products especially Jordha/Zordha using different brand element (Sade Gondhe Atullonio, best quality, Sade alada etc) and adding different flavor for creating positive mindset (Not Harmful) among the users.

In the last cycle study the visibility of GHWs on Bidi was 85% , Zordha 87% and Gul 88% but only 3% Zordha pack 100% compliance and no other pack was compliance 100 %. GHWs were not clear and understandable among 73% bidi pack, 82% violate to print both side and 91% packets covered GHWs by Banderole/Taxrole. 65% gul pack violates to print GHWs on 50% principal area, 80% violate to print both side and 95% GHWs was not clear and understandable. In zordha, 39% image of GHWs was used foreign picture, 94% pack violates to print both side, 58% pack violate to print 50% principal area and 95% image was not clear and understandable.

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