Knowledge and Behaviors Associated with a Campus Tobacco-Free Policy

Abstract

Objective: Nearly half of U.S. colleges/universities have implemented tobacco-free campus policies. This study analyzed knowledge, attitudes, and practices associated with the tobacco-free policy at a large public university. It is important to study public university tobacco policies to determine the most efficient and cost-effective way to reduce tobacco related disease due to tobacco use and exposure. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional, campus-wide electronic survey distributed in November 2016. The primary outcomes of interest included 1) correct knowledge of the tobacco-free policy, 2) community member willingness to approach observed violation of the policy, and 3) a positive opinion of the policy’s effectiveness. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to examine the impact of demographic factors on the outcomes. Results: After analysis, the team found that 23% of university faculty, staff, and students had incorrect knowledge about the campus tobacco-free policy. Almost 70% of the university community reported not having approached a smoking violator. Males were significantly less likely to understand the tobacco-free policy in full, approach a violator, or have a positive opinion about its effectiveness. Staff had better knowledge of the policy, a higher likelihood of approaching a violator, and a better opinion about the policy’s effectiveness compared to graduate and undergraduate students. Conclusions: Interventions are needed to increase awareness and confidence regarding implementation and enforcement of the tobacco-free policy on campus, particularly among faculty and students. This paper expands on the currently increasing knowledge of tobacco-free policy enforcement and benefits. KEYWORDS: Campus; Tobacco Regulation; Tobacco; Secondhand Smoke; Cross-Sectional Survey