L.E.A.D. PR’sResearch for a

Tobacco Free Campus Initiative

By: Lauren Hinkley, Erica Campbell, Ashley Quinn, and Danielle Barrette

Research Question

What is the most effective way to eliminate tobacco use and enforce a tobacco free campus at Georgia Southern University?

Target Research Population

•The Georgia Southern University Staff

•Focus Staff using tobacco products

•Research Methods: • Participant observations• Surveys• Focus Group

Able to observe staff members in their day-to-day routines.

Helped us gauge whether tobacco users habits affect non-tobacco users lives. ◦ Positively or Negatively

Participant Observation

Methodology

Henderson Library

Veazey Hall

Lakeside Cafe

•The observations were conducted between March 24th – 26th during lunch hours.

• Each observation was conducted for at least 20 minutes.

Results• Each observation had at least one staff member observed while using tobacco products.

• In each observation this tobacco product was a cigarette.

• In 3 out of 4 of observations the tobacco user was female.

• 3 out of the 4 smokers disposed of tobacco products properly

• Non-smokers did not show any obvious reaction to those around them who were smoking

All people in the target population had equal chance of being chosen to complete the survey.

The surveys were used to gather in-depth information about the staff’s feelings towards the possibility of a tobacco-free campus.

Surveys

• Surveys were distributed in person to participants between March 30, 2010 and April 2, 2010.

• E-mails with links to the online version of the survey were also sent to staff members.

• Hand distributed surveys were collected and put into surveymonkey.com.

Methodology

Tobacco Users

Non Users

I would support implementation of a tobacco free campus.

Strongly Disagree

53.4% (31) 12.1%(45)

Disagree 20.7% (12) 6.2% (23)

Neutral 13.8% (8) 14.3% (53)

Agree 6.9% (4) 23.2% (86)

Strongly Agree

5.2% (3) 44.2%(164)

Rating Average

1.90 (58) 3.81% (371)

Results

•The results show that there is a divide in the opinions of tobacco users and non-tobacco users regarding implementation of a smoke free campus.

Focus groups encourage open discussion about the issue at hand A tobacco free campus.

Our target population

was Staff members currently using tobacco products.

Focus Group

Focus group was conducted Tuesday April 13th at 11:00 a.m.

Four participants varying campus jobs.

Lasted exactly 30 minutes.

Methodology

Tobacco users were against the implementation of a tobacco-free campus.

Tobacco users felt their rights were being infringed upon.

Participants disagreed with the idea of tobacco-friendly zones because they don’t want to have to walk across campus to get to them.

Results

We recommend further studies using similar methods of research.◦ In-depth interviews.◦ Focus Groups.

We suggest the use of two options based on the results of the research.

Discussion and Recommenation

Our bright idea for the Office of Sustainability

Original Plan with additional phases.1. Spread awareness on

campus of potential tobacco-free plan.

2. Designate tobacco-friendly zones on campus.

3. Make tobacco cessation tools available.

4. Make a tobacco-free campus a complete reality.

Option One

The second option involves three phases:1. Raise campus

awareness of tobacco-free implementation.

2. Make tobacco cessation tools available to campus.

3. Tobacco-friendly zones.

Option Two

L.E.A.D. PR feels that the answer to the research question is a compromise that would appeal to tobacco users and non-tobacco users.

L.E.A.D. PR feels that the two options do not alienate the tobacco users on campus and will allow The Office of Sustainability to reach the goal of commitment to key facets of the mission:◦ civility, kindness, collaboration, and commitment

to lifelong learning, wellness, and social responsibility.

Conclusion