Student's Opinion of Tobacco Control Policies: An HBCU Experience

Abstract: Problem/Objective: Dillard University and the Louisiana Campaign For Tobacco Free Living (TFL) have partnered to develop a comprehensive smoke-free campus initiative. The purpose of this study was to assess students' opinion of tobacco control policies. Methods: Source data came from campus tobacco use survey completed by incoming freshmen students and returning students during Fall 2006. The questionnaire assessed students' tobacco use, opinion of tobacco control policies, and demographic characterestics. Statistical analyses was done using SPSS. Results: A total of 274 students (56.6% freshmen, 43.4% returning) aged 18-24 years, 93% African-Americans, and 73% women responded to several tobacco control related policy questions. Findings showed that about 15% are current smokers, about two-third don't know if campus has smoking policy; almost half of the respondents support a stronger campus smoking policy; three-fourth support smoking should not be allowed in public buildings; while a little more than 80% agree that smoking should be prohibited during indoor sporting events, and in all campus dormitories, support decreases for campus owned apts and campus outdoor events to 75% and 62% respectively; and about two third expressed their disagreement to allow companies send tobacco related promotional items. Conclusions: While the finding was encouraging to start developing a comprehensive smoke-free campus program the survey indicated that much promotional, educational and prevention work would be needed to reach out and convince the campus community.