University Students' and Staff Attitudes Toward the Implementation of a "tobacco-free" Policy: A View from Qatar

Overview

Journal Prev Med Rep

Date 2024 Jan 31

PMID 38292026

Authors

Ghadir Fakhri Al-Jayyousi

Mujahed Shraim

Diana Alsayed Hassan

Mohammed Al-Hamdani

Rana Kurdi

Noor Ahmed Hamad

Hanan F Abdul Rahim

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Objectives: Tobacco-free campus policies are needed to create environments conducive to prevention or quitting in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR), where the use of various tobacco products is on the rise among university students. The objectives of this study were to assess overall support for a 100% tobacco-free campus policy and its predictors among different stakeholder groups at the largest national university in Qatar and to understand attitudes towards specific policy components.

Study Design: A cross-sectional online survey of faculty and students.

Methods: We measured sociodemographic variables, tobacco use, and support for components of a 100% tobacco-free campus policy. A total score for support was calculated, and associations with selected predictors were assessed using multivariable linear regression.

Results: 413 respondents participated in the survey. A majority of faculty/staff and students (76.6% and 75.5%, respectively) supported the implementation of a 100% tobacco-free campus policy, with a majority supporting extension of the policy beyond cigarettes. Support for other components of the policy varied. Among students, overall support was lower among males and tobacco users and higher among the married. Among faculty and staff, support was lower among Qatari nationals and tobacco users.

Conclusion: In the context of a growing tobacco crisis in the EMR, implementing and understanding the impact of tobacco-free campus policies is essential. This paper underscores the importance of addressing diverse stakeholder attitudes and providing empirical evidence to guide policy implementation and evaluation.

Citing Articles

Health and Well-Being in the Context of Health-Promoting University Initiatives: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Needs Assessment Study at Qatar University.

Al-Jayyousi G, Alsayed Hassan D, Rahim H, Abdel-Rahman M, Ferreira I, Mukhalalati B JMIR Res Protoc. 2024; 13:e58860.

PMID: 39693145 PMC: 11694057. DOI: 10.2196/58860.

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