Teachers Perception on Tobacco Free School in Bangladesh

Abstract

Abstract:Introduction: Comprehensive tobacco-free school policy benefits everyone by reducing exposure to second-hand smoking and creating a system that reinforces tobacco-free norm and attitudes, which in turn affect tobacco use having an impact on the health of the community. Objective: This study aims to assess the perception of teachers on tobacco free school environments and factors supporting it. Methods: A two-stage cluster sampling technique was used for the selection of schools with selection probability proportional to enrolment size followed by stratified random sampling of government and private schools. Data were collected from 559 secondary school teachers using a structured questionnaire. Results: Estimation indicated that 48.3% (95% CI: 44.5%, 52.6%) of the teachers were less supportive and 51.7% (95% CI: 47.4%, 55.5%) were more supportive for smoking free school. Logistic regression analysis revealed that non tobacco user teachers were more likely to be supportive (OR=1. 891, 95% CI: 1.197, 2.986) for tobacco free school. However, no statistically significant association was found between perceived supportive tobacco free school and age, sex, level of education, type of school and family size (p>0.05). Exposure to second hand smoking and curriculum content of tobacco issues were not significantly related with tobacco free school. Conclusion: Comprehensive school based programme with participation of school personnel and community can effectively implement tobacco free school programmes.

Achieving a tobacco-free Bangladesh by 2040: a qualitative analysis of the tobacco advertising environment and prohibitions in Bangladesh

“…And finally, new TAPS policy opportunities and legislative loopholes will continue to arise. For example, surveys [83][84][85] showcase that the Bangladeshi public is supportive towards further TAPS measures, such as the introduction of plain tobacco packaging, 83 a retailers' licensing scheme which would reduce TAPS marketing at PoS, 84 and a ban on tobacco advertisements and tobacco industry events on campuses. 85 An investigation of tobacco control stakeholder perspectives on strengthening the existing TAPS legislations and advocacy 86 in Bangladesh could be explored.…”

“…For example, surveys [83][84][85] showcase that the Bangladeshi public is supportive towards further TAPS measures, such as the introduction of plain tobacco packaging, 83 a retailers' licensing scheme which would reduce TAPS marketing at PoS, 84 and a ban on tobacco advertisements and tobacco industry events on campuses. 85 An investigation of tobacco control stakeholder perspectives on strengthening the existing TAPS legislations and advocacy 86 in Bangladesh could be explored. The gained knowledge from this investigation would inform policy and advocacy direction, and help prioritise needs to achieve a tobaccofree Bangladesh by 2040.…”