Strategies and lessons learned for smoke and Tobacco-Free policy change on community colleges with community-based support

Abstract

Objective: Community colleges face challenges to becoming smoke-free and have higher smoking prevalence rates than four-year colleges. This case study examines how Sacramento Taking Action Against Nicotine Dependence (STAND), a community-based organization’s project, achieved tobacco-free policies at California’s second largest community college district. Methods: Data sources describing the STAND policymaking activities (2001–2016) include evaluation reports and key informant interviews (n = 9) with community college nursing staff, former STAND staff, and other Sacramento tobacco control partners. Reports and interview transcripts were analyzed using content analysis. Results: Collecting campus data and engaging campus champions were key strategies to demonstrate internal support for stronger policies, as STAND faced resistance from the District leadership. External momentum encouraged the campuses to adopt 100% smoke, tobacco and vape-free policies. Conclusion: Community-based organizations can facilitate long-term support for smoke and tobacco-free campus policymaking efforts at community colleges, as internal and external support is demonstrated for more comprehensive policies.

Keywords:

• College policy
• tobacco-free campus
• tobacco use

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Leslie Ferreira, Gustavo Torrez, and former STAND project staff. The authors also thank the nursing staff of the Los Rios Community Colleges for their time and insight.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the University of California Tobacco-Related Disease Research Program under grant number 22BT-0057 and Cornelius Hopper Diversity Supplement Award.