The 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health

Objective: Across the country the college student population has shown an increase in the number of regular tobacco users. This session will benefit those campus professionals or community agencies interested in learning the trends in collegiate tobacco use and cessation services to better their collegiate tobacco program.

Methods: Three State tobacco programs, in Colorado, Montana and Ohio, developed specific year-round comprehensive collegiate tobacco control initiatives on 24 campuses. Within each State project, survey data was collected regarding tobacco use and attitudes of the students on each campus. In addition, each campus completed an environmental scan to gather baseline data. These data were used to develop campus specific programs focusing on policy change, cessation services and prevention interventions. Unique to two of the State programs was the inclusion of a campus with a large minority population. Participation by a Historically Black College in Ohio and a Tribal College in Montana provided new information regarding the specific needs of African American and Native American students.

Results: Survey and environmental scan data from these three State programs will be shared, with a focus on prevalence rates and trends. Use and attitude data revealed that about half of student smokers did not identify as “smokers” or as “social smokers.” With regard to tobacco control policies and implemented services, the majority of campuses had smokefree residence halls and buildings on campus but had not focused on tobacco industry funding to campus organizations. Campuses also showed a need for a more efficient tracking system with regard to cessation services.