BUSINESS COMPUTING REPORT

By Group 4

Abstract
Use of taboo amongst minors has been a major concern in developing countries like India. While the
problem persists, it becomes essential to find out the major products used for smoking like Cigarettes,
Bidi, E-cigarettes, etc and the various sources from which these products are bought from and consumed.
This case helps the readers and the respective policy makers help understand the data collected from
GYTS which surveyed individuals aged from 13 to 15 years about the various forms of smoking products
consumed as well as their sources using Dashboard. The system helps analyze the raw data in a more
comprehensive manner by providing Heat-maps, Bar graphs, etc. and help the policy makers make
effective and efficient policy changes and introductions.

Introduction
GYTS is a cross-sectional, nationally representative school-based survey of students in grades associated
with ages 13 to 15 years. GYTS uses a standard core questionnaire, sample design, and data collection
protocol. It assists countries in fulfilling their obligations under the World Health Organization (WHO)
Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) to generate comparable data within and across
countries.
It uses a global standardized methodology that includes a two-stage sample design with schools selected
with a probability proportional to enrollment size. The classes within selected schools are chosen
randomly and all students in selected classes are eligible to participate in the survey. The survey uses a
standard core questionnaire with a set of optional questions that countries can adapt to measure and track
key tobacco control indicators. The questionnaire covers the following topics:
1. Tobacco use (Smoking and Smokeless)
2. Secondhand smoke
3. Access and Availability of Tobacco products
In India, GYTS-4 survey was conducted in 2019 by the International Institute for Population Sciences
(IIPS). The overall response rate was 96.9%. A total of 97,302 students from 987 schools participated in
the survey. Of which, 80,772 students aged 13-15 years were considered for reporting.
Overall aim is to document and monitor the extent of smoking and smokeless tobacco use, and to
understand and assess the students' knowledge and behavior towards tobacco use and its health impact,
including second hand smoke, media and advertising and minors' access. Specific objectives are:
• To determine the level of tobacco use by State/UTs, location of school (urban/rural)
• To estimate the age of initiation of cigarette and bidi smoking and smokeless tobacco
• To estimate the exposure to secondhand smoking (SHS)
• To estimate the exposure to tobacco advertising
• To assess the reach of major prevention programmes to school-based population

However, to effectively combat youth tobacco use and formulate evidence-based policies, there is a need
to identify and address the following key issues:
1. Prevalence and Trends: Determine the prevalence rates of tobacco use, including smoking and
smokeless forms, among adolescents in India, and analyze any significant trends or changes in tobacco
consumption patterns over time.

2. Regional Disparities: Investigate regional variations in tobacco use and exposure to secondhand
smoke (SHS) among adolescents to identify high-risk areas and tailor interventions accordingly.

3. Tobacco Access and Availability: Assess the accessibility and availability of tobacco products to
adolescents, both in public and private schools, to inform strategies for restricting access and enforcing
existing regulations.

By addressing these issues we can better understand the challenges posed by youth tobacco use and
develop targeted interventions and policies aimed at reducing tobacco initiation rates and promoting a
tobacco-free environment for adolescents in India.

Rationale behind the topic and the data

The rationale behind selecting this topic can be attributed to several key factors:

1. Identification of Hotspots: Identifying the usage of various kinds of tobacco across different
states will help us in determining the tobacco hotspots. This will help the government to
formulate and implement specific policies for the hotspots.
2. Identification of Acute Tobacco Category: Identifying which tobacco category is majorly
exploited by students will enable the government to implement policies for curbing their
distribution in student centric areas.
3. Differentiating between Rural and Urban Hotspots: Identifying underlying reasons behind
analysis of urban versus rural consumption of tobacco amongst students will help in determining
which area requires immediate government intervention to tackle the issue.
4. Differentiating between Current and Ever Used Tobacco Users: Analyzing the difference
between current users of tobacco versus those who have used it ever in different forms will help
us differentiate between the two kinds of users.

The rationale behind selecting this data set can be attributed to several key factors:

1. Relevance to Tobacco Control efforts: The age group of 13-15 years is crucial when it comes to
tobacco control efforts. Adolescence is a vulnerable period during which many individuals experiment
with or initiate tobacco use. Understanding the prevalence, patterns, and factors associated with tobacco
use in this age group is essential for designing effective prevention and intervention programs.

2. Health Impact: Tobacco use, especially during adolescence, can have significant long-term health
consequences. This age group is at a stage of physical and psychological development, and early exposure
to tobacco can lead to a lifelong addiction and various health issues. Therefore, focusing on this age group
provides insights into potential future health burdens and helps develop strategies to mitigate them.
3. Policy Targeting: Governments and health organizations often develop policies and interventions
aimed at reducing tobacco use among minors. Data collected from 13-15 year olds can inform the
development and evaluation of policies and programs targeting this specific age group, ensuring that
resources are allocated efficiently to protect young children from tobacco-related harm.

4. Comparability: The GYTS follows a standardized methodology, making data collected from different
countries and regions comparable. By concentrating on the 13-15 year old age group, it allows for
comparison of tobacco use prevalence and related indicators, facilitating the exchange of best practices
and lessons learned in tobacco control.

Creating Heat Map

We are creating a Heat Map that can be used to illustrate tobacco product preferences by state, such as
bids, cigarettes, and E-cigarettes. The Heat Map is designed to be used for both state-specific and
density-related purposes. It allows users to explore multiple states and different product densities to gain a
comprehensive understanding of tobacco usage trends across regions.

Steps for Creating Heat Map-

1. Select the sheet from where you want to create the heat graph.
2. Select the column from the sheet, whose data will be used to make the graph.

3. Now go to the ribbon display and click on “Insert”

4. There click on the “Maps” button.
5. Then click on the “Filled Maps” button.
 6. Then the map will appear.

7. For controlling the data on the map create a slicer from the columns which were used for making
the graph.

Data Collection
Our primary objective is to provide insights into the prevalence of tobacco use, smoking patterns,
initiation ages, awareness about e-cigarettes, and exposure to tobacco smoke. We've harnessed this data to
create a dynamic dashboard in Excel, which facilitates a deeper understanding of these critical factors for
informed policy and public health decisions.

The dataset utilized for this analysis was compiled through a nationwide survey conducted across Indian
States and UTs. This survey was meticulously designed to encompass a diverse cross-section of the
population, ensuring that our findings are representative and reliable. The following parameters were
collected during the data collection process:

1. State/UT and Area: These fields serve to pinpoint the geographic location of respondents,
allowing for regional and area-specific analysis.
2. Tobacco Usage Categories: The dataset encompasses various categories related to tobacco use,
including "Ever tobacco users," "Current tobacco users," "Ever tobacco smokers," "Current
tobacco smokers," "Ever cigarette users," "Current cigarette users," "Ever bidi users," and
"Current bidi users." These parameters provide a comprehensive overview of the prevalence of
different forms of tobacco consumption.
3. Smokeless Tobacco Usage: Data on "Ever smokeless tobacco users" and "Current smokeless
tobacco users" offer insights into non-smoking forms of tobacco use.
4. Susceptibility to Cigarette Use: The parameter "Never cigarette smokers susceptible to cigarette
use in the future" indicates the potential for future cigarette smoking among non-smokers.
5. Median Age of Initiation: This parameter offers the median age at which individuals initiate the
use of specific tobacco products, including cigarettes, bidis, and smokeless tobacco.
 6. Awareness about E-cigarettes and E-cigarette Usage: These parameters assess the knowledge
and usage of electronic cigarettes among the surveyed population.
7. Exposure to Tobacco Smoke: "Exposure to tobacco smoke at home/public place" quantifies the
extent of passive smoke exposure in different environments.
8. School Environment: The parameter "Students who saw anyone smoking inside the school
building or outside school property" provides insights into the prevalence of smoking in
educational settings.
9. Major Sources of Tobacco Products: This set of parameters indicates the primary sources from
which respondents obtain tobacco products, including stores and paan shops.

Data Analysis
Our analysis of this dataset yields valuable insights into tobacco usage patterns across Indian States and
UTs:

1. Prevalence of Tobacco Use: By examining the "Ever tobacco users" and "Current tobacco users"
percentages, we identify regions with varying tobacco usage rates. This information is pivotal for
tailoring anti-tobacco campaigns effectively.
2. Smoking Patterns: Data on "Ever tobacco smokers" and "Current tobacco smokers" provide
insights into the prevalence and persistence of smoking habits. Understanding these patterns is
crucial for devising effective smoking cessation programs.
3. Cigarette vs. Bidi vs. Smokeless Tobacco: Comparing "Current cigarette users" and "Current
bidi users" reveals the popularity of these two common forms of tobacco consumption.
Additionally, "Current smokeless tobacco users" statistics offer insights into non-smoking
tobacco usage patterns.
4. Initiation Ages: Median ages of initiation for cigarettes, bidis, and smokeless tobacco highlight
when individuals typically begin using these products. This information is invaluable for
designing targeted prevention strategies, especially for youth.
5. E-cigarette Awareness and Usage: Awareness percentages and "Ever e-cigarette use" data
reflect the level of awareness and adoption of e-cigarettes among the surveyed population.
Understanding e-cigarette trends is critical for regulation and public health messaging.
6. Exposure to Tobacco Smoke: The parameter "Exposure to tobacco smoke at home/public place"
underscores the importance of enforcing smoke-free policies in public spaces and residences.
7. School Environment: "Students who saw anyone smoking inside the school building or outside
school property" highlights the need for tobacco-free school zones and the impact of such
environments on students' perceptions of smoking.
8. Major Sources of Tobacco Products: Identifying the primary sources of tobacco products,
including stores and paan shops, assists in regulating sales and accessibility.

The Excel Dashboard created for this data analysis project is a powerful tool that allows users to
interactively explore and visualize data related to tobacco usage in Indian States and Union Territories. It
provides a user-friendly interface with multiple elements designed to facilitate data interpretation and
decision-making. Below, we elaborate on the specific components of the Excel Dashboard:
 1. Slicers for State, Region, and Tobacco Category: Users can easily filter and select specific
states, regions (urban or rural), and tobacco categories (Bidi, Cigarette, Pan Masala, E-cigarette)
using slicers. This feature enables users to focus on the data that is most relevant to their analysis.
For example, they can compare tobacco usage between urban and rural areas in a particular state.

2. Pie Chart: Source of Tobacco Products: This chart visually represents the primary sources
from which tobacco products are obtained – Pan Shops or Stores – for both cigarettes and bidis.
Users can quickly grasp the distribution of these sources, aiding in understanding the accessibility
of tobacco products in different regions.

3. Bar Graph: Means of Exposure: This graph displays the various means through which
individuals are exposed to tobacco smoke, such as at home or in public places. The bar graph
provides a clear visual comparison of exposure patterns, allowing users to identify areas where
passive smoke exposure is more prevalent.

4. Pie Chart: Types of Tobacco Consumption: This pie chart breaks down the types of tobacco
consumption, showing the distribution among different categories, including Bidi, Cigarette, Pan
Masala, and E-cigarette. Users can see at a glance which forms of tobacco are most commonly
used in a selected region or state.

5. Heat Map of India: The heat map offers a visual representation of the number of bidi,
cigarette, and pan masala users across states in India. It allows users to compare tobacco usage
patterns geographically. Darker shades indicate higher usage, while lighter shades indicate lower
usage, helping identify regions of concern or success.

6. Graph: Ever Smokers vs. Current Smokers: This dynamic graph illustrates the difference
between individuals who have ever smoked and those who are current smokers. Users can track
changes over time and observe trends in smoking habits, which is essential for designing targeted
intervention programs.

7. Bar Graph: Gap between Current Users and Ever Users: This bar graph provides insights
into the evolving patterns of tobacco use. It shows the gap between current users of tobacco and
those who were ever users, offering valuable information about how tobacco usage behaviors are
changing.

The Excel Dashboard's interactive nature enables users to explore data dynamically. They can select
specific parameters, regions, or categories to refine their analysis. This functionality is particularly useful
for policymakers, public health officials, and researchers who need to make data-driven decisions and
develop strategies to combat tobacco use effectively.

This data collection and analysis, in conjunction with our interactive Excel dashboard, provides valuable
insights into tobacco usage patterns across Indian States and UTs. The dataset and dynamic dashboard
serve as indispensable tools for policymakers, public health professionals, and researchers to make
informed decisions, implement targeted interventions, and track the progress of anti-tobacco initiatives.
As we move forward, it is imperative to continue monitoring and addressing tobacco usage trends to
achieve the overarching goal of a healthier and tobacco-free India. This report and dashboard lay a strong
foundation for ongoing efforts to combat tobacco-related health issues and improve the well-being of the
Indian population.

Recommendations
To tackle the issue of tobacco use, some recommendations are:

1. Enhance Tobacco Education Programs:

● Strengthen and expand school-based tobacco education programs that provide accurate
information about the health risks associated with tobacco use
● Implement evidence-based tobacco prevention curricula that focus on building students’
knowledge, attitudes, and skills to resist tobacco use
2. Age Verification for Tobacco Sales:
● Introduce and enforce mandatory age verification measures at points of sale for tobacco
products to prevent underage access
3. Support Smoking Cessation Programs:
● Develop and promote smoking cessation programs tailored to adolescents who are
already using tobacco products
● Provide resources and counseling services to help students quit tobacco use

Societal Implications
1. Rural versus Urban: Regardless of the State, Urban consumption of various tobacco products is
higher than that of Rural consumption amongst students
2. Underlying problem: An assumption could be made relating to easier availability of tobacco
products in urban areas to 13-15 year olds compared to close knit rural communities
3. Implications: Policy implications focusing on regulating access to tobacco products to underage
students in urban areas needs to be the priority
Conclusion
Looking at the raw data available from GYTS, it is very difficult to make any coherent conclusion to help
curb tobacco smoking amongst minors aged 13 to 15 years. Hence, the importance of using Dashboards
becomes inherent when summarizing and analyzing such vast data. Using the dashboard prepared to
analyze the data, few of the conclusions that a policy maker can find are, which Indian state has the
largest number of smokers of any single type of smoking product, which mode of purchase is the most
prevalent in which state, which smoking product needs to be banned in rural and urban areas to curb
smoking, etc. While the dashboard helps overview the smoking conditions amongst minors at a broader
level, the dashboard also helps in segregation the data at narrower level by looking at states specifically
which helps in making state level as well as national level policy changes.