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AuthorAl-Jayyousi, Ghadir Fakhri
AuthorKurdi, Rana
AuthorAlsaei, Shahd
AuthorAl-Kaabi, Haya
AuthorAlrushdi, Al Jaziya
AuthorAbdul Rahim, Hanan F
Available date2021-06-20T05:57:57Z
Publication Date2021-06-09
Identifierhttp://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2020-043691
CitationAl-Jayyousi GF, Kurdi R, Alsaei S, et alStudents’ perceptions of a university ‘No Smoking’ policy and barriers to implementation: a cross- sectional study. BMJ Open 2021;11:e043691. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-043691
ISSN2044-6055
URIhttp://hdl.handle.net/10576/20693
AbstractEffective policies are an important tool for reducing tobacco use. We examine student perceptions of the existing no-smoking policy in the country's largest national university and identify perceived barriers to its implementation. We explore student support for a 100% tobacco-free campus policy. We conducted a cross-sectional survey using a self-administered on-line questionnaire. This study was conducted at Qatar University (QU), the largest national institution of higher education in Qatar. A total of 199 students participated out of a stratified random sample of students aged ≥18 years with active registration in the Spring 2020 semester. We assessed students' knowledge of and attitudes towards QU's current no-smoking policy, the perceived barriers to its implementation, and support for a 100% tobacco-free policy. Only 26% (95% CI 19.97 to 32.03) and 16.6% (95% CI 11.70 to 22.49) of respondents correctly identified the current policy on traditional and electronic cigarettes, respectively. Less than 30% of respondents held positive attitudes towards policy enforcement, and more male respondents reported positive attitudes towards compliance than women. Support for a 100% tobacco-free policy was at 77.2%, but it was significantly lower among tobacco users compared with non-users (35.9% and 91.8%, respectively; p<0.001). Failure to establish clear penalties, opposition from smoking students, and lack of cessation services were perceived as major barriers to implementation. Clear and comprehensive tobacco-free policies are important tools for creating environments conducive to rejecting smoking and seeking cessation support. The findings underscore the need to increase awareness about the policy, advocate for clear penalties for violations, and promote cessation services on campus. Qualitative research is needed to further understand perceived barriers to successful enforcement of the policy.
Languageen
Subjecthealth & safety
health policy
public health
TitleStudents' perceptions of a university 'No Smoking' policy and barriers to implementation: a cross- sectional study.
TypeArticle
Issue Number6
Volume Number11
dc.accessType Open Access


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