The spatial distribution of smoking violations on a no-smoking campus: Implications for prevention. Issue 1 (2nd January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pires, Stephen F.; Block, Steven; Belance, Ronald; Marteache, Nerea
• Is Part Of: Journal of American college health. Volume 64:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 62
• Page End: 68
• Publication Date: 2016-01-02
• Subjects: Geographic information system -- hot spot -- littered waste, policing -- smoking -- university; College students -- Health and hygiene -- United States -- Periodicals; College students -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; College students -- Mental health -- Periodicals; Universities and colleges -- Health promotion services -- Periodicals; 362.10883781980973
• DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2015.1074239
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0744-8481

Abstract

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.