Tobacco control policies: compliance and support for smoke-free school policy at California State University, Northridge

Despite the reductions of the smoking rate in the United States, tobacco use remains a public health concern especially among college students. Young adults in the United States have the highest prevalence of tobacco use among any other age group. To lower smoking rates on college campuses, several national organizations recommend that colleges and universities implement and enforce stronger tobacco control and prevention policies. This study examines students, staff and faculty attitudes towards the current California State Univeristy, Northridge (CSUN) smoking policy and their preferences regarding stronger tobacco control policies on campus. The study also looks at student, staff and faculty exposure to secondhand smoke on campus. Tobacco use behavior is also measured among participants. The sample consisted of 805 students, staff and faculty. The majority of students, staff and faculty perceived the current CSUN smoking policy as ineffective and indicated a strong support towards implementation of a 100% smoke-free or a 100% tobacco-free campus policy. It was also shown that secondhand smoke exposure is a problem at CSUN in which students, staff and faculty are constantly exposed while on campus. The large amount of support for a stronger more effective tobacco policy on campus should be reassurance for university administrators to work towards implementing and enforcing a stronger tobacco control policy at CSUN. Key words: smoking policies, college students, tobacco control, university health and safety, policy effectiveness, health promotion