Smoking prevalence among adults in California has declined by more than 20% in the last ten years (1988-1998). While adult smoking prevalence increased from 16.7% in 1995 to 18.4% in 1998, smoking prevalence among 18-24 year olds increased from 16.4% to 22.0%. It is unclear what perceptions toward tobacco use are most prevalent among college students. The proposed project investigated the attitudinal and behavioral practices among college students that reinforce tobacco use. A total of 72 students participated in eight focus groups at a rural university campus. The focus group questions included: a) what types of tobacco products do college students use; b) where do students most likely buy and/or smoke cigarettes; c) at what "events" (social or otherwise) are tobacco products used; d) why do college students smoke; e) is there a negative or positive image about smoking among college students; f) do tobacco advertisements appear in the college media. Data from the focus groups was analyzed using the qualitative method of code and retrieve (Patton, 1990) to capture themes from the participants' responses and comments. Of particular interest, the participants indicated that smoking was a choice that should be "respected" and did not attach a negative image to smoking behavior. While most of the participants did not perceive themselves to be "smokers," cigarette smoking was considered to be a social practice in the same context as "social" drinking. Furthermore, a number of the participants indicated that cigarette use had increased at their fraternity/sorority socials.
Learning Objectives: 1. Identify attitudes and perceptions about tobacco use among college students. 2. Develop strategies to reduce tobacco use among college students
Keywords: College Students, Tobacco
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.