Compliance with tobacco-free university policy

Background. Over 300 U.S. colleges and universities have implemented tobacco-free campuses to promote a healthy place to live, work, and learn. The University of Kentucky implemented a tobacco-free medical campus policy in 2008; the entire campus went tobacco-free in 2009. Purpose. To evaluate a three-pronged compliance strategy used to implement a tobacco-free policy on one university campus located in a tobacco-growing state. Significance. While there is a recent wave of tobacco-free colleges, there is little research on the effectiveness of these policies. Policy restrictiveness and implementation vary, and compliance remains a challenge. Streets and sidewalks not owned by the college create special challenges. Methodology. This descriptive, prospective evaluative study examines the outcomes and costs associated with a three-pronged compliance strategy. The strategy involves access to tobacco treatment medications and counseling, communications, and training supervisors and student leaders. Compliance is measured by observation, reported violations, and treatment utilization. Findings/Results. Policy violation hot spots are identified and research student interns use a standardized observation protocol to count cigarette butts. Human resources and the Dean of Students Office compile complaints and use existing procedures to deal with violators. In the three months before and during initial implementation of the campus-wide policy, a total of 58 employees, spouses and sponsored dependents, and students accessed coordinated tobacco treatment services. During this period, 111 free nicotine replacement coupons (2-week supply) were redeemed, at a cost of $2,094. Conclusions/Recommendations. Administrative support, campus buy-in, sustained communications, and careful implementation planning are critical to compliance with tobacco-free university policy.