Vendor density mapping and compliance assessment with tobacco control laws around schools in Bhubaneswar City—a geo-spatial mapping and observational study

BackgroundTobacco use among youth remains a significant public health challenge, particularly in India, where vendor accessibility plays a crucial role in initiation and consumption. This study examines tobacco vendor density around schools in Bhubaneswar City, Odisha, utilizing advanced geo-spatial...

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Main Authors: Nancy Satpathy, Pratap Jena, Amit Yadav, Venkatarao Epari, Vikrant Mohanty, Muhammad Imran Ali, Rishika Khare, Yogesh Pratap Singh, Ashish Kumar Pandey
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-06-01
Series:Frontiers in Public Health
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Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1410114/full
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author Nancy Satpathy
Nancy Satpathy
Pratap Jena
Pratap Jena
Amit Yadav
Venkatarao Epari
Vikrant Mohanty
Muhammad Imran Ali
Rishika Khare
Yogesh Pratap Singh
Ashish Kumar Pandey
author_facet Nancy Satpathy
Nancy Satpathy
Pratap Jena
Pratap Jena
Amit Yadav
Venkatarao Epari
Vikrant Mohanty
Muhammad Imran Ali
Rishika Khare
Yogesh Pratap Singh
Ashish Kumar Pandey
author_sort Nancy Satpathy
collection DOAJ
description BackgroundTobacco use among youth remains a significant public health challenge, particularly in India, where vendor accessibility plays a crucial role in initiation and consumption. This study examines tobacco vendor density around schools in Bhubaneswar City, Odisha, utilizing advanced geo-spatial mapping techniques to provide evidence for regulatory enforcement.MethodsA geo-spatial mapping approach was employed using ArcMap 10.8 and Google Maps to identify tobacco vendors within a 100-yard radius of 15 selected high schools. Data collection was conducted through a structured questionnaire with 53 closed-ended questions via the Epicollect5 platform. The study adopted a probability proportional-to-size sampling method to ensure representative vendor distribution.ResultsThe study identified 107 tobacco vendors surrounding the selected schools, with an average vendor density of approximately seven per school vicinity. Pan vendors and grocery/convenience stores were the most prevalent vendor types. Despite existing regulations, widespread tobacco advertising, brand displays, and promotional activities were observed. Additionally, violations related to smoking near schools and sales to minors indicated gaps in regulatory compliance.ConclusionThe high density of tobacco vendors near schools underscores the need for strengthened enforcement mechanisms and policy interventions. Enhancing regulatory compliance through stricter zoning laws, targeted monitoring, and community-driven initiatives is essential to reducing youth exposure to tobacco products and mitigating associated health risks.
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spelling doaj-art-02fd9742ebad4f878d0ebeee0703a77e2025-08-20T03:46:25ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Public Health2296-25652025-06-011310.3389/fpubh.2025.14101141410114Vendor density mapping and compliance assessment with tobacco control laws around schools in Bhubaneswar City—a geo-spatial mapping and observational studyNancy Satpathy0Nancy Satpathy1Pratap Jena2Pratap Jena3Amit Yadav4Venkatarao Epari5Vikrant Mohanty6Muhammad Imran Ali7Rishika Khare8Yogesh Pratap Singh9Ashish Kumar Pandey10Department of Community Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM Hospital, Siksha O Anusandhan University, Bhubaneswar, IndiaIndian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), New Delhi, IndiaSchool of Public Health, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Bhubaneswar, IndiaSwiss School of Business and Management, Geneva, SwitzerlandVital Strategies, Inc., New Delhi, IndiaDepartment of Community Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM Hospital, Siksha O Anusandhan University, Bhubaneswar, IndiaMaulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, University of Delhi, New Delhi, IndiaSalaam Jeevan, Bhubaneswar, IndiaNational Law University, Odisha, IndiaNational Law University, Tripura, India0Vital Strategies, New York, NY, United StatesBackgroundTobacco use among youth remains a significant public health challenge, particularly in India, where vendor accessibility plays a crucial role in initiation and consumption. This study examines tobacco vendor density around schools in Bhubaneswar City, Odisha, utilizing advanced geo-spatial mapping techniques to provide evidence for regulatory enforcement.MethodsA geo-spatial mapping approach was employed using ArcMap 10.8 and Google Maps to identify tobacco vendors within a 100-yard radius of 15 selected high schools. Data collection was conducted through a structured questionnaire with 53 closed-ended questions via the Epicollect5 platform. The study adopted a probability proportional-to-size sampling method to ensure representative vendor distribution.ResultsThe study identified 107 tobacco vendors surrounding the selected schools, with an average vendor density of approximately seven per school vicinity. Pan vendors and grocery/convenience stores were the most prevalent vendor types. Despite existing regulations, widespread tobacco advertising, brand displays, and promotional activities were observed. Additionally, violations related to smoking near schools and sales to minors indicated gaps in regulatory compliance.ConclusionThe high density of tobacco vendors near schools underscores the need for strengthened enforcement mechanisms and policy interventions. Enhancing regulatory compliance through stricter zoning laws, targeted monitoring, and community-driven initiatives is essential to reducing youth exposure to tobacco products and mitigating associated health risks.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1410114/fulltobacco controlgeo-spatial mappingvendor densityCOTPA Actcompliance
spellingShingle Nancy Satpathy
Nancy Satpathy
Pratap Jena
Pratap Jena
Amit Yadav
Venkatarao Epari
Vikrant Mohanty
Muhammad Imran Ali
Rishika Khare
Yogesh Pratap Singh
Ashish Kumar Pandey
Vendor density mapping and compliance assessment with tobacco control laws around schools in Bhubaneswar City—a geo-spatial mapping and observational study
Frontiers in Public Health
tobacco control
geo-spatial mapping
vendor density
COTPA Act
compliance
title Vendor density mapping and compliance assessment with tobacco control laws around schools in Bhubaneswar City—a geo-spatial mapping and observational study
title_full Vendor density mapping and compliance assessment with tobacco control laws around schools in Bhubaneswar City—a geo-spatial mapping and observational study
title_fullStr Vendor density mapping and compliance assessment with tobacco control laws around schools in Bhubaneswar City—a geo-spatial mapping and observational study
title_full_unstemmed Vendor density mapping and compliance assessment with tobacco control laws around schools in Bhubaneswar City—a geo-spatial mapping and observational study
title_short Vendor density mapping and compliance assessment with tobacco control laws around schools in Bhubaneswar City—a geo-spatial mapping and observational study
title_sort vendor density mapping and compliance assessment with tobacco control laws around schools in bhubaneswar city a geo spatial mapping and observational study
topic tobacco control
geo-spatial mapping
vendor density
COTPA Act
compliance
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1410114/full
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