External Review of the Research for International Tobacco Control (RITC) Program, 2005-2010

Within the IDRC organization RITC has unique expertise and experience operating a multisectoral research program, as tobacco control involves health, economic, agricultural, social, cultural, and broader development issues. The evaluation panel found that RITC has made significant contributions to global evidence on tobacco control, especially related to development issues in low- and middle-income countries. In addition, it has developed strong research and knowledge base on important tobacco control issues on previously neglected policy research areas, such as water pipe use and gender issues and has effectively facilitated networking amongst researchers, advocates and policymakers

Development and testing of a quantitative food frequency questionnaire for use in Kerala, India

Objective: To develop and test a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) for use in rural areas of Kerala, India. Design: Based on food use and market surveys of the study area, a quantitative 81- item interviewer-administered FFQ was developed. A validation study was conducted consisting of 24-h diet recalls (24HR) administered on 8 days randomly selected over an entire year and two administrations of the FFQ, one at the beginning of the l-year period and the other at the end. FFQ and 24HR-derived nutrient scores were compared using correlation and regression analyses and by examining differences in the nutrient scores. Setting: Rural villages in Ernakulum district, Kerala, South India. Subjecrs: In each of 30 households, the male head of household and female food preparer were enrolled. Results: Pearson (parametric) correlation coefficients (Y,) averaged about 0.50 in comparing nutrient scores derived from the 24HR with those from the first FFQ and about 0.55 in comparing the second FFQ. On average, Spearman correlation coefficients (YJ were slightly lower than the Y, in comparing the scores derived from the first FFQ, but virtually identical for the second FFQ. Regression analyses indicated better agreement in the comparison of the 24HR-derived scores with the first FFQ than the second FFQ. Difference scores, however, tended to be larger in comparing the first FFQ scores with the 24HR. Conclusions: This FFQ produces results broadly comparable to those used in Europe and North America, indicating its suitability for comparing exposures within a study population in reference to health-related endpoints

Sorghum story

Director: P.V. SatheeshNarrator: R.N. ManviConsultant: Mira Aghi (IDRC)Related to, but not direct output of an IDRC projec

Age of initiation of cigarette smoking and quit attempts among young women in India - evidence from Global Adult Tobacco Survey 2009 and 2017

Background and challenges to implementation We estimate the age at initiation of occasional and regular cigarette smoking among young women (15-24) and estimate the likelihood of quitting smoking through age 35 years. Intervention or response We use disaggregated data from Global Adult Tobacco Survey 2009 and 2017 and use socioeconomic variables (age, place of residence, educational attainment and income) to compare trends between this period. Results and lessons learnt Women younger than 30 years were more likely to be past or current smokers, began smoking earlier (median age < 20 years), and smoked more cigarettes per day than older women, yet attempted to quit smoking more often before age 35 (log-rank P < .001). Conclusions and key recommendations Young female smokers have a higher propensity to initiate and quit smoking compared with older women. Supporting young women smokers to quit and averting initiations may be an important strategy to reduce smoking prevalence in the future among women

Air nicotine levels in public places in Ahmedabad, India: Before and after implementation of the smoking ban

Aim: To compare air nicotine levels in public places in Ahmedabad, India, before (June 2008) and after (January, 2010) the implementation of a comprehensive smoking ban which was introduced in October 2008. Materials and Methods: Air nicotine concentrations were measured by sampling of vapor-phase nicotine using passive monitors. In 2008 (baseline), monitors were placed for 5-7 working days in 5 hospitals, 10 restaurants, 5 schools, 5 government buildings, and 10 entertainment venues, of which 6 were hookah bars. In 2010 (follow-up), monitors were placed in 35 similar venues for the same duration. Results: Comparison of the overall median nicotine concentration at baseline (2008) (0.06 μg/m 3 Interquartile range (IQR): 0.02-0.22) to that of follow-up (2010) (0.03 μg/m 3 IQR: 0.00-0.13), reflects a significant decline (% decline = 39.7, P = 0.012) in exposure to second-hand smoke (SHS). The percent change in exposure varied by venue-type. The most significant decrease occurred in hospitals, from 0.04 μg/m [3] at baseline to concentrations under the limit of detection at follow-up (%decline = 100, P < 0.001). In entertainment venues, government offices, and restaurants, decreases in SHS exposure also appeared evident. However, in hookah bars, air nicotine levels appeared to increase (P = 0.160). Conclusion: Overall, SHS exposure was significantly reduced in public places after the smoke-free legislation came into force. However, nicotine concentrations were still detected in most of the venues indicating imperfect compliance with the comprehensive ban