College student reactions to smoking bans in public, on campus and at home

Health Educ Res. 2011 Feb;26(1):106-18. doi: 10.1093/her/cyq076. Epub 2010 Dec 1.

Abstract

We examined college student reactions to a statewide public smoke-free policy, campus policies and private restrictions through an online survey among 2260 students at a 2-year college and a university and 12 focus groups among smokers. Among survey participants, 34.6% smoked in the past month (35.0% daily, 65.0% non-daily). Correlates of receptivity to public policies included attending the university, not living with smokers and non-smoker status (versus daily and non-daily smoking). Correlates of receptivity to outdoor campus policies included being a university student, unmarried, without children, from homes where parents banned indoor smoking and a non-smoker. Correlates of having home restrictions included not living with smokers, no children, parents banning indoor smoking and non-smoker status. Correlates of having car restrictions included attending the university, not living with smokers, having children, parents banning indoor smoking and non-smoker status. Qualitative findings indicated support for smoke-free policies in public (albeit greater support for those in restaurants versus bars) and on campus. Participants reported concern about smokers' and bar/restaurant owners' rights, while acknowledging several benefits. Overall, 2-year college students and smokers (non-daily and daily) were less supportive of smoke-free policies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Health Policy
  • Housing*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Smoking / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Smoking / psychology*
  • Social Environment
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Universities*
  • Young Adult