Students' perceptions of tobacco use and policies: Myths or Reality?

Audience:  This poster is directed towards those interested in college-age students’ perceptions and development or strengthening of tobacco control policies at the university level.  Participants may come from a variety of backgrounds: novice to expert; students, faculty/staff or administration; and/or public health.

Key Points:  A Tobacco Use and Attitude Survey was sent electronically to undergraduate and graduate students in a large metropolitan Nevada university. The response rate was 4,209 (21%) students. While 83% of students stated they were nonsmokers and 17% reported smoking, collectively respondents believed that 48% of the students on their campus had smoked tobacco within the past 30 days.  79% of nonsmokers believed smoking was a major health hazard as compared to only 40% of smokers (p < .05). 61% of nonsmokers versus 19.5% of smokers believed secondhand smoke exposure was a major health hazard (p< .05). 71% of all students did not know the university offered free tobacco cessation materials, including counseling, support groups, and nicotine replacement products. 72.8% of students either misidentified or did not know the university’s current tobacco policy. However, 65% of students agreed that it was the university’s responsibility to enact a policy that protects the campus community from secondhand smoke exposure.

Educational Experience: This poster will provide learners with a detailed view of college-age students’ perceptions of tobacco use and policy development, as well as a survey tool for evaluating perceptions.

Benefits: This poster is relevant to those interested in identifying common misperceptions about tobacco use and tobacco control policy.