Exploring the association between supportive school policy and youth tobacco use

Abstract

Objectives: To examine the association between supportive, evidence-based school tobacco policies and youth tobacco use across Florida counties.

Study design: Cross-sectional exploratory study.

Methods: This study was conducted across 66 counties and their respective school districts in the state of Florida. Using 2021 school district policy data and 2022 youth tobacco use data, we conducted a linear regression analysis to assess the county-level correlation between supportive tobacco policies and self-reported youth tobacco use. We also examined changes in school tobacco policy from 2021 to 2022.

Results: Policy data was available for 66 of the 67 total Florida counties. Results of the primary analysis indicate that counties with evidence-based tobacco policies experienced a 15.7 % relative reduction in self-reported youth tobacco product use in the subsequent year. Counties with in-school support services had the strongest association with lower youth tobacco product use, followed by referral to cessation resources. The number of counties with any supportive policy increased from 51 (77.3 %) in 2021 to 61 (92.4 %) in 2022. The proportion of counties with exclusionary policies remained unchanged.

Conclusions: We found a small but significant association of lower tobacco use rates among youth in counties with supportive tobacco policies. This study concurs with evidence that supportive tobacco policies are protective against youth tobacco use. However, given the exploratory nature of this study, these findings should be considered preliminary, and additional research is warranted to confirm the observed associations. Further research is needed to understand the barriers and facilitators of policy reform and implementation in these areas.

Keywords: Adolescent health; Indicators; School policy; Tobacco use; Youth; Youth smoking.