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Evaluation of the Process of Implementing an Outdoor School Ground Smoking Ban at Secondary Schools
Author(s) -
Rozema Andrea D.,
Mathijssen Jolanda J.P.,
van Oers Hans A.M.,
Jansen Maria W.J.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
journal of school health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.851
H-Index - 86
eISSN - 1746-1561
pISSN - 0022-4391
DOI - 10.1111/josh.12692
Subject(s) - harm , enforcement , thematic analysis , process (computing) , medical education , smoking ban , environmental health , public relations , medicine , psychology , business , political science , qualitative research , computer science , social psychology , sociology , social science , law , operating system
BACKGROUND Although outdoor smoking bans at school are becoming important, it remains unclear whether successful implementation is feasible and what conditions promote it. Therefore, this study evaluates the implementation process by identifying important factors. METHODS Interviews were held with directors of 24 secondary schools that had decided to implement an outdoor school ground smoking ban, to identify important factors during implementation. Additionally, observations were made before and (about 4 weeks) after implementation to evaluate adherence to guidelines. Data were analyzed using a thematic approach. RESULTS During implementation, the following items were important: smoking ban (eg, guidelines), school (eg, policy, enforcement, environmental factors, resources, etc), and external factors (eg, social environment). Four schools were unable to implement the ban, 20 schools implemented the ban but student adherence was low, and at 4 schools, staff members still smoked on school grounds. CONCLUSIONS Although implementation is feasible, there are challenges. Schools need to apply a phased/dynamic process with ample lead time and clear communication of the policy. Directors should deal with offenders by strictly enforcing the ban and helping them stop smoking. This study offers information to help institutes implement an outdoor smoking ban to further protect adolescents from the harm of smoking.