Tobacco Control

Abstract

The 18-24 age group is experiencing a greater increase in smoking prevalence than any other age group in recent years. This article presents a case study of how a California community college successfully implemented a comprehensive tobacco control program to counter pro-tobacco influences, to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke, and to increase the availability of cessation services. The college strengthened the reasonable distance policy by establishing designated smoking areas to the recent adoption of a smoke-free campus. The Student Health Center led the efforts in creating a student coalition, planned advocacy and educational campaigns, developed partnerships with multiple campus departments, implemented an enforcement program, and revised clinical interventions to reflect the US Public Health Service Guidelines. The project was in collaboration with the local health department and two other college campuses. Successful policy change resulted in affecting social norms and a decreased smoking prevalence of 13% in 2000 to 8% in 2004. We encourage other campuses, particularly community colleges, to address tobacco control issues and use some of the strategies presented.

Development and evaluation of smoke-free or tobacco-free policies in university settings: a systematic scoping review

“…They also were tasked to train university personnel on the policy and how to deal with violators; developing an enforcement strategy; and changing the university's physical environment (e.g., removing ashtrays or smoking areas). A few other studies described the establishment of student ambassador programs [74,78,83] or coalitions within the same institutions [88,89] or among different universities [55].…”

“…Messages to describe an SF/TF policy were printed on posters, leaflets, brochures, manuals, message cards, signage, panels, banners, letters with weekly fact sheets, or even on staff paychecks [32], or on the handbook for new students and staff [68,69,103]. Some universities developed also branded merchandise (e.g., slogan labeled lighters, bookmarks, pencils [47], napkins, calendars, coffee stands [88]). Digital modes included on-campus display screens, emails, letters, websites, and social media such as Facebook or MySpace [63].…”

“…Digital modes included on-campus display screens, emails, letters, websites, and social media such as Facebook or MySpace [63]. Some other studies reported conducting media campaigns to reach out to national press and radio networks [88,90].…”