Awareness and perception of the state tobacco control law prohibiting smoking in public places among selected stakeholders in Ekiti State, Nigeria

Background Tobacco smoking in public places is prevalent in Nigeria despite global recognition of its deleterious effects. Ekiti State is one of the few states in Nigeria that has enacted the law prohibiting smoking in public places without decline in the practice. This study was conducted to assess awareness and perception of State tobacco control law prohibiting smoking in public places among selected stakeholders and the factors influencing adherence to the law in Ekiti State. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a mixed method of quantitative and qualitative approach. Respondents were selected stakeholders who were directly involved with tobacco control law within the State. Respondents' perception and attitude towards the tobacco control law was assessed using standardized scales. The qualitative survey employed key informant interview (KII) using KII guide. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square at p=0.05 while qualitative data were analyzed using thematic approach. Results The mean age of respondents was 39.9 ± 7.7 years and 55.5% were males. Majority (73.0%) were aware of the state tobacco control law, had good perception (86.0%) of and positive attitude towards the law (93.4%). More of the older age groups were aware of the law compared to the younger (p=0.018). The qualitative findings revealed there was little or no compliance with the law prohibiting tobacco smoking in the public in the State. Some identified reasons for non-compliance by most respondents were poor level of information dissemination and awareness and lack of political will. Conclusions This study revealed high level of awareness, good perception and positive attitude but poor adherence to the law prohibiting tobacco smoking in public places among stakeholders in Ekiti State. Concerted efforts are required by the government to address identified bottlenecks against compliance for effective implementation and enforcement of the law in the State