Association of campus tobacco policies with secondhand smoke exposure, intention to smoke on campus, and attitudes about outdoor smoking restrictions

Am J Public Health. 2015 Jun;105(6):1098-100. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2014.302251. Epub 2014 Dec 18.

Abstract

College campus tobacco-free policies are an emerging trend. Between September 2013 and May 2014, we surveyed 1309 college students at 8 public 4-year institutions across California with a range of policies (smoke-free indoors only, designated outdoor smoking areas, smoke-free, and tobacco-free). Stronger policies were associated with fewer students reporting exposure to secondhand smoke or seeing someone smoke on campus. On tobacco-free college campuses, fewer students smoked and reported intention to smoke on campus. Strong majorities of students supported outdoor smoking restrictions across all policy types. Comprehensive tobacco-free policies are effective in reducing exposure to smoking and intention to smoke on campus.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Attitude to Health*
  • California
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intention
  • Male
  • Organizational Policy*
  • Smoking / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Smoking Prevention*
  • Students / psychology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Tobacco Smoke Pollution / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Tobacco Smoke Pollution / prevention & control*
  • Universities*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Tobacco Smoke Pollution