The spatial distribution of smoking violations on a no-smoking campus: Implications for prevention

J Am Coll Health. 2016;64(1):62-8. doi: 10.1080/07448481.2015.1074239.

Abstract

Objective: The present study extends research on campus smoking bans by examining where smokers are violating the policy at a large university in the southeastern region of the United States.

Participants: The data collection was conducted by one graduate student from the university in August of 2014.

Methods: A global positioning system device was used to collect the geo-coordinates of littered cigarette butts as a proxy measure for smoking violations.

Results: A hot spot analysis found a number of spatial concentrations on campus, largely around classroom and administrative buildings along with parking lots and garages.

Conclusions: The implications of such findings can direct enforcement to target these areas in order to reduce offenses and fulfill the initial goals of policy-makers and university administrators who support smoke-free campuses.

Keywords: Geographic information system; hot spot; littered waste, policing; smoking; university.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Guideline Adherence / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Organizational Policy
  • Smoke-Free Policy*
  • Smoking / psychology*
  • Smoking Prevention*
  • Students / psychology*
  • United States
  • Universities / statistics & numerical data*
  • Young Adult