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Evaluating the role of media in implementation of 85% graphic warnings on tobacco products in India
Ashima Sarin1, Pankaj Chaturvedi2, Ravi Mehrotra3, Priya Ranjan4, Sanjay Seth5, Rajiv Janardhanan6
1 Amity Institute of Public Health, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh; Department of Public Health, Sambandh Health Foundation, Gurgaon, Haryana, India
2 Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
3 India Cancer Research Consortium, ICMR-DHR, New Delhi, India
4 Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, SRM University, Amravati, Andhra Pradesh, India
5 Department of Public Health, Sambandh Health Foundation, Gurgaon, Haryana, India
6 Amity Institute of Public Health, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
Correspondence Address:
Ms. Ashima Sarin
Coral 309, Ourania, Golf Course Road, DLF Phase 5, Sector 53, Gurugram - 122 002, Haryana
India
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/ijmpo.ijmpo_367_20
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Background: In common with many countries globally, India has a history of graphic health warnings (GHWs) being weakened or delayed due to tobacco industry influence. If tobacco is eliminated from society, nearly 30% of all cancers can be prevented. Objectives: This study examines the role of the media in the recent changes to the 85% GHWs implementation in India. Materials and Methods: Media articles from the date of notification of 85% GHW (October 15, 2014) to the date of its implementation (April 1, 2016) were collected and coded as pro, anti, or neutral. These were compared, correlated to significant government actions during the time period to determine if media influenced the government actions on the implementation of GHWs. Results: A total of 3301 media articles regarding 85% GHWs were found during the study period, of which 2961 were pro, 333 were anti, and seven were neutral. The results showed that there was a positive correlation of media on the implementation of GHWs. Conclusion: Media coverage of the issue did appear to have an impact. |
