Tobacco Retailer Density Near Schools in Jaipur Using GIS App

Background - Tobacco is one of the leading hazards which is engulfing the health of people and mainly affecting adolescents. According to the recent Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS), there are approximately 267 million tobacco users in India, representing 29% of the adult population. (1) Both tobacco retailer density and proximity are hypothesized to influence behavior and thus, ultimately, health.(2). According to Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COPTA), 2003 no person shall sell, offer for sale, or permit sale of, cigarette or any other tobacco product to any person who is under eighteen years of age, and in an area within a radius of one hundred yards of any educational institutions. (3) This study aims to identify the real field situation of Tobacco retailer density near schools in Jaipur using GIS (Geographical Information System) Material and method- From a list of all the schools in the district 30 schools were randomly selected. Using GIS Mobile app Schools were marked for spatial analysis. The 100 yards buffer area of the school premises was mapped and Tobacco vendors within 100-yards of school were counted. The vendors/retailers were marked on map using GIS (Geographic Information System) app to know the density of tobacco retailers. Observation- Mean density of tobacco retailers within 100 yards radius was 6.8 per school. Out of the total vendors 53.95 were permanent and 46.10% were temporary. There was no significant difference in the density of tobacco vendors outside government and private schools. Conclusion- Density of tobacco vendors is very high around school. Both tobacco retailer density and proximity are hypothesized to influence behaviour and thus, ultimately, health Proper implementation of COTPA,2003 will reduce tobacco retailer density in Jaipur and further impact tobacco use in youth.