THURS-022 - A Descriptive Study of CSU Stanislaus College Students’ Experiences About Second-hand Smoke Exposure
Thursday, April 17, 2025
11:45 AM – 12:45 PM PST
Location: Pacific I/II, 2nd Floor
Area of Responsibility: Area IV: Evaluation and Research Subcompetencies: 4.5.2 Disseminate findings., 4.5.1 Communicate findings by preparing reports, and presentations, and by other means. Research or Practice: Research
Student California State University, Stanislaus Oakdale, California, United States
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this session, participants will be able to:
describe demographic variations of second-hand smoke exposure in college students.
compare college student’s tolerance towards second-hand smoke exposure.
identify the sources of second-hand smoke exposure for college students.
Brief Abstract Summary: While the San Joaquin Valley of California is home to a diverse and underserved population, it is an area that faces one of the highest smoking rates in the state. This research study focuses on recognizing the issue of second-hand smoke exposure in college students attending CSU Stanislaus. Data for the study is gathered through a quantitative survey of registered students at CSU Stanislaus. The survey will explore experiences with secondhand smoke in college students and the extent to which they feel it is a problem in their community. Survey data will explore how these factors vary based on sociodemographic characteristics. By analyzing the experiences of second-hand smoke among college students in this region, public agencies can better understand how to target their policies to this population.
Detailed abstract description: This descriptive research study involves the sphere of public health education and awareness targeted to the young adult population. Preventative measures for tobacco and smoking are implemented within the K-12 school system, yet despite efforts, many students participate in smoking activities or are exposed to second-hand smoke in their homes and communities. The typical age of the college student is a period where individuals begin to form their personal beliefs that can be more disconnected from the influences of their parents and peers. This survey study explores how second-hand smoke exposure varies by demographics such as academic major, housing type, age, ethnicity, etc as well as how much the students feel that smoking is an issue in the community. Stanislaus County is an area of California that is home to many diverse but low socioeconomic status people. In order to improve smoking public health in the community, the tolerance and beliefs towards smoking in the next generation of parents and workers must be known so that smoking education can be adapted and tailored. Stanislaus County's geographical distinctiveness of being predominantly a rural area with some urban centers can offer intriguing findings to the attendees as tolerance and beliefs can differ compared to California’s other geographical regions such as the bay area or the Sierra Nevada and because of the central valley's high smoking rate.
