An assessment of America's tobacco-free colleges and universities.
OBJECTIVE
This study examined the extent to which US campuses identified as "100% tobacco-free" by the American Lung Association of Oregon adhered to the American College Health Association's the most recent guidelines and recommendations promoting tobacco-free environments in colleges and universities.


METHODS
A key informant from 162 of 175 institutions (92.6% response rate) completed an online survey between January 2010 and February 2010.


METHODS
The variables under study were assessed via a cross-sectional research design. Participants completed a 35-item survey regarding their school's tobacco policies, procedures, and enforcement practices.


RESULTS
Although the vast majority of schools had written policies and procedures in place, schools with current policies were the most compliant. Numerous opportunities for improved adherence were identified in the results.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings from this study may help institutions in the development and implementation of a new tobacco policy, as well as strengthen policies among existing tobacco-free schools.
Department of Health Sciences, Armstrong Atlantic State University, Savannah, Georgia 31419, USA. sara.plaspohl@armstrong.edu
Sara S
SS
Plaspohl
Anthony V
AV
Parrillo
Robert
R
Vogel
Stuart
S
Tedders
Andrew
A
Epstein
D003625:Data Collection; D019983:Guideline Adherence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D016134:Organizational Policy; D000074606:Smoking Prevention; D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014481:United States; D014495:Universities / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution