Determinants of support for a smoke-free university policy

Abstract

Introduction: Health care professionals have an essential role in tobacco control through supporting tobacco control policy actions by promoting smoke-free workplaces and extending tobacco cessation programs. Objective: To assess determinants of support for a smoke-free university policy among dental students. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study of dental students was carried out. Multiple linear regression analyses assessed the determinants of support for a smoke-free policy at the university. Results: A total of 313 students completed the questionnaires. The multivariate model showed a direct relationship of support for a smoke-free university policy with being a nonsmoker [β = 1.95, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.37-2.52, p < 0.0001] and having greater knowledge of smoking health hazards (β = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.20-0.30, p < 0.0001). We detected an inverse relationship with being a man (β = -0.49, 95% CI = -2.73 to -0.58, p = 0.03) and with increased willingness to accept second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure score (β = -0.02, 95% CI = -0.04 to -0.01, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: This study found that a policy banning smoking would have support from those students who have knowledge of smoking health hazards and those unwilling to accept exposure to SHS.