Student Perspectives on Campus Tobacco Policy: A Photovoice Study

Objectives: Despite substantial progress in reducing the burden of tobacco use in the United States (US), it remains the leading cause of preventable disease in the US. University campuses can play a pivotal role by implementing high quality tobacco-free campus policies. Methods: In preparation for updating the tobacco policy at a Midwestern university we carried out a photovoice project to incorporate student voices into the policy revision process. Participants (N=17) used disposable cameras to collect photographs and engaged in discussion groups about their experiences. Researchers analyzed focus group transcripts using a constant comparative approach. Results: Overall, 24 participants attended at least one photovoice session. They were mostly female (N=21) and mostly non-Hispanic white (N=12). Themes from the focus group discussion included effects of tobacco use on campus, negative opinions about current tobacco policy, concerns about how tobacco use affects the university, and tensions between nonsmokers and smokers. Photovoice images and captions created by participants were displayed on campus and presented to decision-makers. Conclusions: Despite limited knowledge about tobacco products and policy, many participants expressed strong opinions about the effects of policy on their student experience. Involving students in the policy process is an important step to improve implementation of tobacco policy changes.