Bridging the knowledge gap: A mixed-method study on Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act awareness and educational intervention among college teachers in Puducherry

Abstract Background: India enacted the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) in 2003 to regulate the production, supply, and distribution of tobacco products. However, compliance has been inadequate due to a lack of awareness regarding the provisions of the law. Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the educational intervention on COTPA and to explore the key factors influencing COTPA implementation among college teachers and administrators in Puducherry. Materials and Methods: A sequential explanatory mixed-method study design was adopted, integrating pre-and postintervention surveys in the quantitative component and key informant interviews in the qualitative component. Conducted over 3 months (August–October 2023), the study included 300 college teachers selected through a multi-stage sampling technique. Knowledge levels were assessed before and after the educational intervention using a semi-structured questionnaire. The intervention on COTPA was delivered through flipbooks and PowerPoint presentations. In addition, key informant interviews were conducted to explore perceived key factors influencing COTPA implementation. Institutional Ethical Committee approval was obtained. Results: Rural teachers were found to have better knowledge regarding provisions of COTPA compared to urban teachers in the baseline survey. Significant improvement was observed in both groups across all knowledge parameters in the postintervention survey. Key-informant interviews among the respondents identified key factors influencing COTPA implementation. Conclusion: Educational intervention significantly enhanced understanding about provisions of COTPA among college teachers and administrators. Bridging these knowledge gaps is essential for strengthening compliance with tobacco control laws and promoting improved health outcomes.