Policy Compliance of Smokers on a Tobacco-Free University Campus

Abstract

Objectives: To explore factors influencing compliance with campus tobacco policies and strategies to increase compliance. Participants: Sixty tobacco smokers (April 2012). Methods: A 22-item intercept-interview with closed- and open-ended questions was conducted with smokers in adjacent compliant and noncompliant areas at 1 university with a 100% tobacco ban. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. Results: Most reported that the smoking policy was not enforced. Noncompliant smokers had less knowledge of locations where tobacco use was permitted and were more likely to identify their smoking location as compliant and had knowingly violated the policy. Choice of location to smoke was related to convenience and a desire to follow the policy. Smokers recommended consequences for noncompliance and structures that accommodated smoking to increase adherence to the tobacco ban. Conclusions: Additional education, environmental, and contingency strategies are needed to increase compliance with the policy banning tobacco use on this campus.

Keywords:

• tobacco
• tobacco policy
• tobacco-related behavior
• universities
• young adult