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Mahendra Singh

 

Mahendra Singh

All India Institute of Medical Sciences, India

Abstract Title: Assessment of level of compliance with Tobacco free educational institutions (TOFEI) guideline in Primary schools of Uttarakhand: A cross-sectional Study

Biography:

Dr Mahendra Singh has completed his MBBS at the age of 27 years from Rajasthan University of Health sciences, Jaipur and MD Community Medicine degree from Dr. S. N. Medical College, Jodhpur (India) He is working as Additional professor, Department of Community Medicine at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh India. He has published more than 94 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an PI/Co-PI in many projects

Research Interest:

Considering the high vulnerability of adolescents and young adults to tobacco exposure—highlighted by both GATS1 and GYTS2—the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India introduced the Guidelines for Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions (TOFEI)3 in 2008, which must be followed by schools across the country. This study utilized cross-sectional study design to assess the implementation of Tobacco free educational institutions (TOFEI) guideline in 385 primary schools of 7 districts (Almora, Chamoli, Dehradun, Haridwar, Rudraprayag, Nannital, Rudraprayag) of Uttarakhand state of India by using TOEFI Evaluation Scorecard. Compliance score (Range 0-100) was assessed for each school. Any school who scored 90% and above compliance score was considered as Tobacco free educational institution (TOFEI). Out of 385 primary schools of 7 districts of Uttarakhand, 14 schools were achieved >90% compliance score and awarded with TOFEI Certificate. In Almora 01 school, in Dehradun 3 schools, in Tehri 10 schools were fulfilled the criteria of TOFEI. In 4 districts (Haridwar, Nainital, Chamoli, Rudraprayag) no school obtained >90% compliance score. The results revealed overall poor compliance towards TOFEI guideline among primary schools of Uttarakhand indicating widespread gaps in the implementation of even the basic mandatory provisions. Prevalence of tobacco use in school adolescents is increasing rapidly, so strict implementation of these guidelines is the need of hour.