Development and evaluation of smoke-free or tobacco-free policies in university settings: a systematic scoping review

Abstract

We conducted a systematic scoping review to map the available evidence on smoke-free or tobacco-free (SF/TF) university policies globally. We specifically looked at (i) how policies were developed and communicated and (ii) what indicators were used to evaluate their impact. We searched for peer-reviewed literature, published up to January 2020, across 10 multi-disciplinary databases. We followed a duplicate, independent data selection, and charting process. We inductively categorized the studies according to the research design and objective of ‘process’ and ‘impact evaluation’. We identified 75 unique studies across 23 countries conducted between 1993 and 2019. Most studies were conducted in the United States (46/75, 61.3%), were based on quantitative research design and focused on impact evaluations; a third (n = 28) reported both process and impact evaluations (37.3%). Community engagement and multi-channel communication strategies were mostly used to disseminate SF/TF policies. The impact was determined by a wide range of indicators for knowledge, attitudes and behaviors related to policies. There is a mature, relevant body of literature describing the development and evaluation of SF/TF policies in universities. Future reviews could quantify the impact of the bans and may consider process indicators as moderating factors to explain the potential heterogeneity of results.

Tobacco‐free policy reduces combustible tobacco byproduct on a large university campus

“…Data from several postpolicy semesters depict decreased butt counts at all locations. Supplemental analysis lends support for the success of the university policy in changing tobacco-use behavior, a finding in line with extant research (see review by Bardus et al, 2020). Moreover, this study represents a successful integration of behavioral science and policy development reminiscent of proposed behavioral contributions to policy efforts (e.g., Fawcett et al, 1988).…”

Self-Reported Respiratory Symptoms Among Students Exposed To second hand smoke (SHS) In Academic Institutions In Gaborone: Implications For Public Health Interventions

“…Students' right to health and clean air is compromised. There is strong support for a smoke-free policy by students in line with the developing trends elsewhere 35,36 . We recommend the promotion of culturally tailored programs targeting especially males and non-smokers to prevent tobacco use.…”

Attitudes, perceptions, and smoking behavior of university faculty and staff following the introduction of a comprehensive tobacco-free policy: a repeated cross-sectional survey in Lebanon

“…Second, the large sample size in both cross-sectional surveys gives power to the tests in detecting variations in attitude, perceived bene ts and smoking behavior one year post-policy implementation. Third, this study adds to the literature gap in evaluations of university tobacco-free policies in countries outside the US (31). As for the limitations, the cross-sectional nature makes it hard to infer any causal association between the variables.…”