The violation of the bans on tobacco advertising and promotion at points of sale in 5 largest cities of Vietnam in 2017

Abstract

Objective: To describe the violation of the ban on tobacco advertising and promotion at points of sale in 5 cities of Vietnam in 2017. Subject and method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample size of 1.385 tobacco points of sale (POSs) in 5 cities of Hanoi, Hai Phong, Da Nang, Hochiminh City, Can Tho from 5/2017 to 11/2017. The data was collected through an observational checklist. Results: 69.9% of POSs violated the ban on tobacco advertising in 5 cities. The proportion of POSs in 5 cities violated the ban on tobacco display when displayed more than one pack, one carton or box of one tobacco brand was 82.5% and 1.6% of POSs violated the ban on tobacco promotion. Conclusion: The status of tobacco advertising, display and promotion at POSs was common with a high violation rate in 5 largest cities in Vietnam. The study suggests a strict implementation of the bans on tobacco advertising and promotion at POSs.