To examine the density and proximity of tobacco retail outlets (TROs) around schools in both urban and rural districts of Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR.
Key Findings:
TRO density was higher within 250–500 m in Chanthabuly (median = 12) compared to Sissatanak (median = 3) (p = 0.01), indicating significant urban disparity.
The median distance between TROs and schools was significantly less in Sissatanak compared to Chanthabuly (p = 0.04), highlighting potential risks for students.
In the rural district, TRO density was higher within 500–1,000 m (median = 2) compared to within 500 m (median = 0.5), suggesting different retail dynamics.
The shortest distance from an urban school to a TRO without age verification signage was 21.58 m, raising concerns about compliance with tobacco control measures.
Interpretation:
The study provides the first geospatial evidence of TRO density in Lao PDR, indicating a higher concentration of outlets in urban areas and quantifying distances to schools where tobacco control measures are violated, which could inform future public health policies.
Limitations:
The study is limited to specific urban and rural districts in Vientiane Capital, which may not represent the entire country.
Data collection was conducted over a limited time frame, which may affect the generalizability of the findings.
Conclusion:
The findings suggest a need for stricter regulation of tobacco retail outlets to strengthen tobacco control policy implementation in Lao PDR.
by Shweta Kulkarni, Thanh Cong Bui, Phonepadith Xangsayarath, Khatthanaphone Phangdouangsy, Chanthavy Soulaphy, Khanittha Sengdara, Sydney Martinez, Amanda Janitz, Summer G. Frank-Pearce, Laura A. Beebe
