Improving Tobacco-Free Advocacy on College Campuses: A Novel Strategy to Aid in the Understanding of Student Perceptions About Policy Proposals |
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Authors: | Brandi S Niemeier Christopher B Chapp Whitney B Henley |
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Institution: | 1. Department of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Coaching, College of Education and Professional Studies, University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, Whitewater, Wisconsin;2. Department of Political Science, St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minnesota;3. University Health and Counseling Services, University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, Whitewater, Wisconsin |
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Abstract: | AbstractObjective: Tobacco-control policy proposals are usually met with opposition on college campuses. Research to understand students’ viewpoints about health-related policy proposals and messaging strategies, however, does not exist. This study investigated students’ perceptions about a smoke-free policy proposal to help understand their positions of support and opposition and to inform the development of effective messaging strategies. Participants: In January 2012, 1,266 undergraduate students from a midwestern university completed an online questionnaire about smoke-free campus policies. Methods: Responses were coded and analyzed using Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count software and chi-square, independent-samples t tests, and binary logistic models. Results: Most students who supported a smoke-free policy considered environmental or aesthetic conditions, whereas most opponents used personal freedom frames of thought. Supporters viewed smoking policies in personal terms, and opponents suggested means-ends policy reasoning. Conclusions: Taken together, points of reference and emotions about proposed policies provided insight about participants’ perspectives to help inform effective policy advocacy efforts. |
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Keywords: | administration community health health education other drugs tobacco-free campus tobacco policy |
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