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Smoke-free policy survey results
Feb. 3, 2020
Print | PDFA survey of students, staff and faculty at Wilfrid Laurier University suggests that the university’s Smoke-Free Policy is having the desired positive effects.
The intention behind the policy implemented on July 1, 2019, was to support the health, wellness and safety of the university community by prohibiting the smoking of tobacco and cannabis by all methods — with some approved religious and cultural exceptions, of course.
Nearly six months later, a survey of more than 1,800 students, faculty and staff suggests the policy has been effective in diminishing exposure to second-hand smoke on campus, decreasing overall smoking and increasing smokers’ desire to quit.
In support, Laurier’s Student Wellness Centre in Waterloo has scheduled a number of educational workshops. They include:
- Feb. 4: Let’s Talk About Substance Abuse (eligible toward Wellness Education Certificate)
- Feb. 6: Wellness 101 — Living a Healthy Active Lifestyle
- March 10: Let’s Talk About Substance Abuse (eligible toward Wellness Education Certificate)
- March 13: Special edition of Fresh Fruit Friday, with Peer Wellness Educators
- April: Look for Peer Wellness Educators on campus for support and information
In Brantford, the local Student Wellness Centre is offering two workshops each month until April aimed at increasing student safety and well-being in regards to alcohol and cannabis use — eligible toward Wellness Education Certificate.
Let’s Talk About Substance Use workshop dates: Feb. 11, Feb. 25, March 24, April 7 and April 21 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Students’ Union Boardroom.
Substance Use Drop-In Counselling is on every Tuesday from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Wellness Centre.
- Week of Feb. 10: “Did you know?” Lollipop outreach campaign with Peer Wellness Educators.
- Week of Feb. 24: Information and outreach on quitting smoking, vaping and cannabis use by Brant County Health Unit.
- Week of March 9: Substance Use And You event using Fatal Vision impairment simulation goggles and Safer Partying Workshop in Residence as part of the Residence Wellness Series.
At any time, on both campuses, students seeking support can book an appointment with a counsellor or physician in the Student Wellness Centre.
Staff and faculty have access to telephone coaching with a smoking cessation specialist via the Employee Assistance Program at 1.800.663.1142 and an to an interactive course on addictions via homeweb.ca. Laurier’s extended health plan also offers a lifetime maximum of $500 for doctor-prescribed Nicotine Replacement Therapy.
Less Second-Hand Smoke
Nine per cent of respondents said they’re exposed to second-hand smoke on campus daily in January 2020, compared to 28 per cent before the policy was implemented.
In addition, 27 per cent of students, faculty and staff said they never experience second-hand smoke on campus today, compared to 11 per cent six months ago.
|
Before July 1, 2019 |
Percentage |
|---|---|
|
More than once per day |
13.23% |
|
About once per day |
14.97% |
|
One or more times per week, but not every day |
21.53% |
|
One or more times per month, but not every week |
10.22% |
|
One or more times per year, but less than once per month |
8.24% |
|
Never |
11.18% |
|
I do not recall / I do not know |
20.63% |
|
Total |
100% |
|
January 2020 |
Percentage |
|---|---|
|
More than once per day |
3.80% |
|
About once per day |
5.54% |
|
One or more times per week, but not every day |
16.93% |
|
One or more times per month, but not every week |
19.82% |
|
One or more times per year, but less than once per month |
15.18% |
|
Never |
27.47% |
|
I do not recall / I do not know |
11.27% |
|
Total |
100% |
Support for a Smoke-Free Campus
The survey suggests the policy is a hit with some members of the Laurier community, as 82 per cent of respondents said they support going smoke-free.
“I think this is a fantastic and much needed initiative. It has been a bit late coming but better late than never!” One respondent wrote.
Another said they, “appreciate not having breathing problems, because being around smoke causes me to have health issues.”
“I am thrilled with the new policy — late but at least done. The smoke itself was awful, but the mess the butts made literally everywhere was shameful. The leaking into the water system being one of my prime concerns. Our campus is noticeably cleaner now.”
Health and Wellness
About 30 per cent of self-identified smokers responded that having a smoke-free campus either reduced how much they smoke or increased their desire to quit smoking or using tobacco products.
An additional nearly five per cent said the policy helped them successfully quit smoking or using tobacco products altogether.
|
Topic |
Percentage |
|---|---|
|
Reduced how much I smoke or use tobacco products |
17.6% |
|
Reduced how much I smoke or use tobacco products off-campus |
9.3% |
|
Increased my desire to quit smoking or use tobacco products |
12.8% |
|
Increased my desire to quit smoking or use tobacco products off-campus |
12.3% |
|
Helped me to successfully quit smoking or use tobacco products |
4.82% |
|
Helped me to successfully quit smoking or use tobacco products off-campus |
5.3% |
These results are positive validation that a smoke-free campus and support from Laurier’s Student Wellness Centre are enhancing the health of Laurier community members.
Thank you to all who completed the Smoke-Free Policy survey.