KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, PRACTICE AMONG PAAN VENDORS IN KARAD REGION REGARDING HARMFUL EFFECTS, LAWS AND REGULATION REGARDING TOBACCO PRODUCT - “A QUESTIONNAIRE STUDY”

ABSTRACT Background:Tobacco use is a widespread public health issue in India, significantly contributing to preventable deaths, poverty, and a heavy healthcare burden on families and the nation. Despite existing legislation like the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) 2003, tobacco products remain easily accessible, especially through local paan vendors. This availability, coupled with a lack of awareness and weak enforcement, perpetuates the problem, especially among youth and in rural regions. Objective: To assess the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) of paan vendors in the Karad region regarding the harmful effects of tobacco and the laws regulating its sale and distribution. Methodology:A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted among 100 paan vendors from both urban and rural areas of Karad using convenience sampling. The questionnaire, comprising 15 pre-tested questions translated into Marathi, assessed demographic data, knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to tobacco and relevant laws. Data were collected via personal interviews and analyzed using SPSS version 23 with descriptive statistics. Results:All participants were aware of the harmful effects of tobacco, yet 75% consumed tobacco themselves. Only 64% knew the legal age for selling tobacco products, and a mere 32% asked minors for age proof. About 31% were unaware that tobacco sales are prohibited within 100 yards of educational institutions. Although 81% knew about legal punishments, most vendors lacked proper licenses and reported no regulatory inspections. Peer pressure and stress were reported as major reasons for tobacco consumption. Conclusion:While awareness of tobacco's health risks is high among paan vendors, adherence to COTPA regulations is lacking due to poor enforcement and negligence by authorities. Most vendors do not follow legal protocols, sell to minors, and continue malpractices such as selling loose tobacco. There is an urgent need for stricter surveillance, enforcement of laws, and community-based awareness programs. Active involvement of all stakeholders, especially government agencies and educational institutions, is essential to mitigate this public health challenge and reduce tobacco-related morbidity and mortality in India.