Evaluation of Tobacco Cessation Centres under National Tobacco Control Programme in Uttarakhand: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: In India 28.6% adults use tobacco while in Uttarakhand its prevalence is 26.5%. The guidelines instruct District Tobacco Control Cell to set up and run Tobacco Cessation Centres and provide cessation services. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted in all the 13 districts of Uttarakhand. The study participants were the counsellors at the Tobacco Cessation Centre (TCC). All the TCCs were visited physically and then evaluated on the basis of questionnaire and checklist. Results: 11 TCCs were having TCC in District Hospital of which majority were staffed as per guidelines. 11 TCCs had dedicated room in OPD for cessation services while 3 hospitals had location and directions to TCC marked in hospital. CO monitor were present in working condition only at 1 TCC though it was available in 11 TCCs. Similar findings were found for Spirometer. NRT and IEC material are provided in all 13 centres. During last 1 year, 24660 tobacco users were given counselling services, out of which 2417 (10%) were given both counselling and NRT and out of them, 1266 (5% of total counselled) were under regular follow up. Total 241 tobacco users had quit tobacco during last 1 year. Conclusion: There is availability of TCCs under NTCP in every district of Uttarakhand but there is need for up scalation of services regarding equipment’s and loss to follow up of beneficiaries.