Factors associated with school personnel’s support for tobacco control policies in Ugandan schools during 2007 and 2011

Abstract

BACKGROUND: This study sought to identify factors associated with school personnel’s support for tobacco- free policies in Uganda in 2007 and 2011. METHODS: Data were obtained from the combination of the 2007 (n=515) and 2011 (n=682) Ugandan Global School Personnel Survey (GSPS). Analyses included chi-square statistics and multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Of the participants, 92.9% supported the tobacco- free policies and 61.9% (n=727) of the schools had a policy restricting tobacco use within the school premises by personnel and students. However only 52.8% (n=370) of those with school policy reported complete enforcement of the school policy. A greater proportion of non-smokers than smokers were in support of a school policy (94.8% vs. 57.7%; p<0.05). Believing that teacher tobacco use influences student use (OR=8.9; 95% CI= 2.41- 33.47) and supporting increase in price of tobacco products (OR=6.4; 95% CI=1.34- 30.58) were significantly associated with support for policy. Those who supported school tobacco-free policy were also more likely to be of the opinion that tobacco industry should be allowed to sponsor school events (OR=4.4; 95% CI= 1.26- 15.23). CONCLUSIONS: Tobacco control interventions should promote personnel’s enforcement of the policies and raise awareness of Tobacco Industry Advertising Promotion and Sponsorship (TAPS) strategies.