Using technology for tobacco prevention: A searchable database of Texas institutions of higher education and their tobacco policies

The American College Health Association suggests that colleges and universities develop a strongly worded comprehensive tobacco-free policy that reflects the best practices in tobacco prevention, cessation, and control. An increasing number of colleges and universities have adopted comprehensive tobacco-free polices; however, many campuses still lack tobacco-free policies that fully protect the campus community.

Texans Standing Tall (TST) created the Database of Texas Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) and Their Tobacco Policies to assist campuses and community members in identifying an IHE’s tobacco-free campus policy and advocating for stronger policies. The database provides colleges and universities an opportunity to compare their policies to those of similar institutions and allows them to see examples of comprehensive tobacco-free campus policies. A comprehensive tobacco-free policy prohibits the use of any tobacco product, including smokeless tobacco products and innovations in smoke or tobacco products, such as electronic cigarettes.

TST created a comprehensive list of 165 IHE campuses and collected tobacco policies from all IHE campuses in Texas. Using a modified version of Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation’s campus policy rating criteria, TST rated each campus policy on the extent to which the policy prohibits smoking, smokeless tobacco, and e-cigarette use on campus properties at all times. If a campus policy is not fully compliant in a policy area, the offending exemption(s) are identified to encourage a call to action by the campus.

Analysis of all campus tobacco policies indicate that 20% (33) campuses in Texas have 100% comprehensive tobacco-free policies. Similar databases could be created in other states to compile campus tobacco policies and motivate campuses to strengthen their tobacco policies.