Examining Student Perceptions of Tobacco Policy Enforcement on College Campuses in Texas.

Abstract

Background. Colleges across the country are adopting tobacco-free policies to prevent and decrease tobacco use among college-aged young adults. Aims. This study examines differences between nontobacco, single-product, and polytobacco users' perceptions of the importance of enforcing tobacco-free policies, support for various enforcement strategies, and success of policy enforcement on campuses. Method. A Kruskal-Wallis test was conducted to examine group differences on the importance of enforcing polices, support for enforcement strategies, and success of policy enforcement among 10,351 students attending 10 Texas colleges. Results. Findings show significant group differences on all dependent variables. Post hoc tests indicated that nontobacco users reported the most favorable responses, followed by single-product users, then polytobacco users. Discussion. Despite group differences, findings show all students feel it is important to enforce tobacco policies and support enforcement strategies but believe current campus enforcement efforts are only moderately successful. Conclusions. Findings may prompt administrators to adopt policy enforcement strategies to curb tobacco use on campuses.