Support for 100% Tobacco-Free Policy on a College Campus in New Jersey: Differences between students and faculty/staff

Abstract

Using quantitative and qualitative approaches we investigated the support for a 100% tobacco-free campus policy (TFCP) at a New Jersey public university. The survey included 912 students and 324 faculty/staff. A multivariate ordinal regression was used to identify predictors of support/opposition to a TFCP. Open-ended comments were analyzed thematically to examine participants’ attitudes regarding TFCP. Support for TFCP was higher among faculty/staff (Mean = 11.6, SD = 5.2) than among students (Mean = 9.0, SD = 5.9)(t = 6.8, p < 0.001). Among students, predictors of support for TFCP included female sex, not using tobacco, concern about secondhand smoke (SHS), and experiencing SHS effects. Among faculty/staff, predictors of support included not using tobacco and concern about SHS. Open-ended comments emphasized reasons for support (concern about SHS, smokers’ health, cessation encouragement, University image) and opposition (smoker rights, more pressing concerns, stress, concerns about a drop in enrollment). While a majority of campus constituents support a shift to TFCP, higher levels of opposition among some campus constituents (i.e., students, male smokers) persist. TFCP advocates need to be aware of common misconceptions that contribute to opposition to TFCP.