CRE researchers and colleagues from The University of Queensland’s School of Public Health joined forces with UQ Wellness and Student Services to raise awareness about the health impacts of vaping and smoking. As part of this health promotion initiative in July 2024, UQ staff and students were invited to attend a panel discussion event and take part in a survey on smoking and vaping.
An information session and panel discussion with CRE experts
On July 26, A/Prof Sheleigh Lawler facilitated a panel discussion featuring Prof Coral Gartner and A/Prof Henry Marshall. The experts discussed the health and environmental impacts of vaping, offered quitting advice, and shared information about current legislation around vaping products. Attendees could submit their questions via a Padlet which also provided information about the panel members and session topics.
A survey on vaping and smoking at UQ
In 2018, The University of Queensland became a smokefree university. Prior to the implementation of UQ’s smokefree policy, a research team completed a survey of UQ staff and students on their knowledge, attitudes and behaviours around tobacco smoking, vaping, and smoke-free policies. CRE researchers and colleagues from UQ’s School of Public Health and the Health, Safety and Wellness Division are repeating this study in 2024 to understand changes in staff and students’ knowledge, attitudes and behaviours related to tobacco smoking and vaping since the last survey.
All current staff and students at UQ were invited to participate in the survey between 15 and 28 July 2024. The results of this research project will be shared through academic journals, seminars, conference presentations, and on the NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence on Achieving the Tobacco Endgame website. These findings will increase knowledge about smoking and vaping among UQ staff and students and will help to develop targeted health education initiatives for the UQ community.
Those who completed the survey had the opportunity to enter a draw to win one of two $250 gift vouchers. Prize draw winners: H Lambe and T Crawshaw.
Principal Investigators
This research project is led by CRE researchers A/Prof Sheleigh Lawler, Prof Coral Gartner, Dr Hollie Bendotti, Dr Cheneal Puljevic and Dr Kylie Morphett as well as Stephanie Meciar (UQ School of Public Health), Jacqui Dean and Rachel Stewart-McLean (UQ Health, Safety and Wellness Division).
For questions about this study, please contact Dr Hollie Bendotti: h.bendotti@uq.edu.au
