An intervention to increase compliance with a tobacco-free university policy.

PURPOSE

To test the effects of a population-based self-efficacy message card campaign on compliance with a tobacco-free campus policy.

SETTING

This study was conducted at a large public university in the South.

SUBJECTS

Three hundred twelve observational periods at 39 campus sites.

INTERVENTION

The message card campaign, based on the Theory of Planned Behavior, consisted of distributing approximately 6000 efficacy-enhancing cards over 3 days. The intent of the cards was to increase awareness of the policy and resources available to help individuals stop smoking or remain comfortable while on campus.

MEASURES

Policy compliance was measured using the Tobacco-Free Compliance Assessment Tool. Field notes were used to assess campaign reaction.

ANALYSIS

Mann-Whitney U-test was conducted to compare number of cigarette butts in hot spot areas before and after the intervention. A rate ratio was also calculated using Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping software to compare cigarette butts collected per day before and after the intervention at each of the study sites.

RESULTS

The median number of cigarette butts per day after the intervention was significantly lower than before the intervention (1.9 vs. 4.7, χ(2): 8.1, p  =  .004). Eighteen sites (66.6%) had a post-pre ratio of .11 to .75, indicating a decrease in cigarette butts per day.

CONCLUSION

An efficacy-enhancing message card campaign shows promise in improving compliance with tobacco-free campus policies.