Tobacco control programmes for universities: a feasibility study

Background University may be a good time for smoking cessation, because younger, lighter smokers are more successful at stopping. Methods An initial survey of 4141 students at Cambridge and Anglia Polytechnic universities identified the prevalence of smoking; questionnaires were given to smokers asking about desire to stop. Some respondents were invited to a discussion, but very few came. Those wanting to quit were sent a second questionnaire about what help they wanted. On National No Smoking Day, 101 students were interviewed about ‘stop smoking’ advertisements, and those wanting to stop smoking were offered different forms of help. Lastly, student union welfare officers at 54 universities in the United Kingdom were interviewed over the telephone, about what motivation and support they provide for students to stop smoking, and what more they would consider providing. Results Prevalence of smoking varied according to university, subject studied and sex. Desire to quit varied with subject studied, duration of habit and amount smoked. Some ‘stop smoking’ TV adverts were widely remembered, but their motivational impact remains unclear. Most of those wanting to stop found it difficult, but few requested help unless approached directly. Only books were widely used, and innovative ones seemed most popular. Few student unions provided effective encouragement or help for students to stop smoking. Most said they would consider doing more. Conclusions There is a need for smoking cessation programmes at universities. More research is needed on ways of motivating those who do not want to stop. ‘Direct marketing’ of books seems the best way of reaching those who want to stop. The effectiveness of different books needs to be evaluated. There is great potential for improving the quality, quantity and availability of cessation aids through student unions.