ABSTRACT
Background: Concerned over increasing cases of mouth cancer in the state, the Jammu and Kashmir Government hasbanned the smokeless tobacco (ST) products like gutkha and also increased the taxes in other tobacco-related products.Despite legislation, the effectiveness of this step is a matter of concern. The gutka users are able to get their regular supplyand shopkeepers are still seen selling gutka pouches.Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the attitude and views of Jammu adult population toward the sale andconsumption on ST by Jammu and Kashmir Government.Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out among the general adult population of Jammu city. 400respondents completed a questionnaire on tobacco use, knowledge of existence of law, health warning, cost increase, andhazards related to ST.Results: Half of the current users (51.6%) surveyed compared to the past users (61.4%) and non-users (69.7%) had knowledgeabout laws on gutka products. Significantly higher percentage of the current users (52.1%) and past users (57.9%) indicatedthat the actions against tobacco products would be slightly effective (P < 0.05). 52.5–68.4% of respondents were aware ofhealth warning signs printed on the tobacco packet. 59.1% of the current users reported easy availability of gutka. The pastusers (54.4%) reported an increase in black marketing of ST gutka.Conclusion: The sale and consumption ban and increased taxes by the government are an effective measure for the improvementof health and reduce consumption. They demonstrate that there is a need for greater public education and the policy has beenlagging behind to curb the black market sale.