Unpacking the Transformations Activated by Smoke-Free Campuses: A Logic Model of France's First Initiative.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Policy
• Higher Education Studies

Background:

• Smoke-free campuses (SFCs) ban smoking and vaping on higher education grounds and offer cessation support.
• Existing research highlights SFCs' impact on young adult smoking, but lacks detail on their transformative processes, underlying assumptions, motivations, and constraints.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the expected transformations in smokers and their environment resulting from SFC activities.
• To develop a causal model linking SFC activities to their impacts, using the first French SFC as a case study.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Mayne's logic model template.
• Collected data from internal documents, semi-structured interviews with implementers, and direct nonparticipant observations.
• Identified the causal model connecting SFC activities to outcomes.

Main Results:

• SFC activities aim to discourage tobacco use through constraints, reduce smoking triggers, denormalize smoking, and improve access to cessation aids.
• SFCs may enhance campus dynamics, cohesion, appeal, and social interactions.
• The policy intends to inspire similar initiatives in other institutions, particularly through manager training.

Conclusions:

• The developed logic model is crucial for transferring SFC policies to new settings.
• This model aids in identifying indicators for assessing SFC impacts and effects.
• SFCs represent a comprehensive strategy for tobacco control within higher education.