ObjectiveTo develop an approach for rapid assessment of tobacco control interventions in China. We examined the correlation between components of the Strength of Tobacco Control (SOTC) index and a proposed rapid evaluation indicator, the Policy Performance Indicator (PPI), which is based on protection of non-smokers from secondhand smoke (SHS). The PPI was used to assess the implementation of policies related to SHS at the provincial/municipal level in China.MethodsStratified random sampling was used to select five types of organisational and household respondents in two municipalities and five provinces in China (Shanghai and Tianjin, Heilongjiang, Henan, Guangdong, Zhejiang and Jiangxi, respectively). Data collection methods included key informant interviews, observation and intercept surveys (organisations), and a modified Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) questionnaire (households). SOTC scores (SHS policy, capacity and efforts), PPI (no smoking in designated smoke-free places) and mid-term to long-term impact (knowledge, attitude and reduced exposure to SHS) were measured, and correlations among them were calculated.ResultsThe PPI varied across the seven locations. Shanghai led in the component indicators (at 56.5% for indoor workplaces and 49.1% for indoor public places, respectively), followed by Guangdong, Tianjin and Zhejiang (at 30–35% for these two indicators), and finally, Henan and Jiangxi (at 20–25%). Smoke-free policies were more effectively implemented at indoor workplaces than indoor public places. The PPI correlated well with certain components of the SOTC but not with the long-term indicators.ConclusionsThe PPI is useful for evaluating implementation of smoke-free policies. As tobacco control programmes are implemented, the PPI offers an indicator to track success and change strategies, without collecting data for a full SOTC index.

To understand the prevalence and distribution of vitamin A deficiency in Hunan province among children aged 3~12 years old. 520 children (120 in urban area and 400 in rural area) were examined, selected by stratified multi‐stage cluster sampling in Hunan province. The serum retinol was tested by HPLC and diet data were collected by 3 consecutive 24‐h recalls. The average serum retinol level was 30.5μg/dl, or 36.6μg/dl in urban area and 28.6μg/dl in rural area. The serum retinol levels in all 3~6 age groups were lower than 30.0μg/dl. 6.9% (36/520) of children had serum retinol levels < 0.70 μmol/L (1.7% in urban and 8.5% in rural), 46.0% of children had serum retinol levels between 0.70~1.05 μmol/L (20.0% in urban and 53.8% in rural). There were significant difference in deficiency and marginal deficiency of vitamin A between age groups and genders (X2=7.64, P<0.05; X2=6.892, P<0.05). 74% of children aged 1~13 yrs old consumed vitamin A intakes ≤ 60%RNI, and only 16.5% reached 80%RNI. Vitamin A deficiency is prevalent in children of Hunan province, especially in the rural area. Direct reason caused deficiency of vitamin A is low intake of vitamin A.

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