Strengthening Smoking Policy at University of

Hawai‘i through Community Partnership

Hye-ryeon Lee, Mark Levin, Mike Taleff

Jason Maddock, Kristen SchollyElizabeth Tam, Melissa Stepp,

& Toni Symons

University of Hawai‘i at Manoa

Presentation Overview

Introduction & History New UH Smoking Policy Key Process

Driving Force - CPHFA

Engaging the UH leadership

Engaging Support Outside of UH

Implementation

Lessons Learned

Smoking Prevalence among

College Students In Hawai‘i , 30% of young adults between

the ages of 18-24 were current smokers in 2002, up from 27% in 1999. - BRFSS

Nationally, prevalence of current smoking by young adults rose from 22.3% to 28.5% between 1993-1997. -Harvard College Study

In 1999, 61% of college students used tobacco products during their lifetimes and 32.9% were current users. -Harvard College Study

The University of Hawai‘i System

Sizable potential impact of policy change

State’s only public post-secondary education

Across six islands in the state:Three university campuses Seven community college

campusesAn employment training centerFive education centers

UH Demographics (Fall 2002)

Student Enrollment: 48,173 43% Male, 57% Female 58% are in the 18-24 year old group Ethnic Breakdown:

Caucasian – 20.9% Japanese – 17.6%

Hawaiian – 13.6% Filipino – 13.2%Mixed – 11.3% Chinese – 6.3%Pacific Island – 2.6% Others – 14.5%

History of Smoking Policy Change

Start: Three Concerned Faculty + New University President (December 2001)

Policy Draft and Review (January 2002) Creation of Community Partnership for

Health and Fresh Air (February 2002) Policy Announcement (January 2003) Faculty Housing goes smokefree (May

2003) Student Housing goes smokefree (August

2003)

New UH Smoking Policy: Key Provisions

Secondhand smoke protection for all indoor and key outdoor areas

Ban on tobacco product marketing and promotion on campuses

Ban on tobacco product sales on campuses

Smokefree student and faculty residences

Cessation programs for students, faculty, and staff

Driving Force: UH Community Partnership for Health and

Fresh Air (CPHFA)

Created in February 2002 A partnership of University of Hawai‘i

students, faculty, and staff Mission: To help everyone in the

University community including students, faculty, and staff to not start using tobacco products, to quit using tobacco products if they wish to, and to not be exposed to tobacco smoke.

Key CPHFA Activities Meetings with UH administration and

other campus leaders for buy-in Expert Report

- Tobacco Use Prevalence- Tobacco Marketing to College Students- Second-hand Smoke - Smoking in the Workplace- CDC Best Practice Recommendations

Building External Support- Politicians- State Department of Health

- Coalition for a Tobacco Free Hawaii

Key CPHFA Activities - Continued

Needs Assessment Reports - Faculty and Clerical Employees- Custodial, Ground, Maintenance Employees

Leveraged External Resources Developed Communication Campaign Plan

- System Wide Memorandum- Press Conference, Promotional Events- 50,000 Brochures/5,000 Highlighters- Paid Ads/stories/editorials on Ka Leo- Radio spots- Website

Key CPHFA Activities:Policy Implementation

Watchdog administration on implementation Follow-up surveys and data Incorporating tobacco control issues into

relevant UH programs and procedures (e.g. health services, new student orientations, student handbook, cessation training for dormitory residence assistants)

Spot future chances to strengthen UH policy University community support for City and

State-wide tobacco control policy agendas

What is Not in the Policy and Why

Voluntary policy, no punitive enforcement mechanisms

Reason – HI labor law empowered one historically intransigent labor union

Implications for compliance: requires focus on community cooperation and re-framing social norms

Lessons Learned

Impetus can come from just a few people

Bridge across campus with students, faculty, staff, administrators

Connect across disciplines Prep work and team work Carrots

(cessation support) and sticks (rules) Implementation and follow-up are key

Acknowledgments

Nina Jones (University of Arizona) California Youth Advocacy Network New York ACS's College Project American College Health Association Americans for Non-Smokers' Rights Smoke-Free Environments Law Project State of Hawai‘i Department of Health Coalition for a Tobacco Free Hawai‘i

Mahalo