Gregory K. Steele, DrPH, MPH, Department of Public Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1050 Wishard Blvd. RG 4165, Indianapolis, IN 46202, 317 274 3174, gsteele@iupui.edu and Stephen. J. Jay, MD, School of Medicine, Department of Public Health, Indiana University, 1050 Wishard Blvd., RG 4175, Indianapolis, IN 46202.

During the development of draft smoking policies for the Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) campus, the IUPUI Smoking Policy Committee identified the need for additional data pertinent to the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of faculty, students, and staff regarding smoking on campus. A survey of smoking knowledge, attitudes and beliefs was developed and undertaken in December 2003, for expected implementation campus-wide in July of 2004. The survey was comprised of 14 questions detailing the respondents smoking status, and their beliefs regarding the implementation of potential smoking restrictions within and on campus structures, grounds, and during University sponsored events. Stratified random samples of students, faculty, and staff were drawn from the University’s automated student and personnel systems. The researchers also extracted basic demographic information from these systems to include in the analysis of responses as well as for determining any potential response bias. The survey was constructed as a World-Wide-Web application. Responses were solicited via the University’s e-mail system.

A total of 3,544 individuals were invited to participate and a total 1,316 individuals completed the survey. The overall response rate was 37.1%. Respondents were stratified by their smoking status and their role on campus, whether faculty, student, or staff. Significant differences in smoking attitudes and practices were identified when stratified by smoking status and by campus role. Correlation of survey data with implementation of the smoking policy and accompanying restrictions will be presented.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant in this session will be able to

• Identify differences in smoking beliefs and practices on a university campus by smoking status and role on campus.
• Apply this survey instrument to assess and evaluate smoking knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs at their institution.
• Identify the utility and procedures for using electronic messaging systems for survey research.
• Evaluate the concordance of smoking survey data with actual smoking policies.

Keywords: Smoking, Policy/Policy Development

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.