Changes in smoking prevalence, attitudes, and beliefs over 4 years following a campus-wide anti-tobacco intervention

Abstract

Objective: The current study examined the effectiveness of an institutional intervention aimed at decreasing prevalence of tobacco use and exposure to smoke on campus over a 4-year period.

Participants: Participants were undergraduate students (N = 4,947) enrolled at a large Midwestern university between 2007 and 2010.

Methods: In 2008, tobacco use was banned on campus. Additionally, campus-wide tobacco cessation services and information were provided to all students. A self-report measure assessing demographics, smoking prevalence, attitudes, and smoke exposure was administered at baseline and at 3 time points over the following 3 years.

Results: The percentage of more frequent smokers and less frequent smokers decreased across assessment points. The program appeared to be less effective for female smokers than male smokers. Further, a significant change in attitudes and secondhand smoke exposure was observed.

Conclusions: It appears that a campus-wide tobacco ban is a well-accepted and effective prevention method for smoking. This study lends considerable support for efforts towards smoke-free campuses.