Scholarlink

Background <p>The cigarette butt (CB) is often overlooked, despite being an item of waste that has impacts on the environment. Few studies on CB littering are supported with a behaviour framework, and none have been conducted in Portugal in the context of a university campus.</p> Objective <p>To identify solutions for the prevention of CB dispersion in the environment supported by a behaviour framework, using a Portuguese higher education campus as the study setting.</p> Methods <p>A questionnaire was applied to a sample of 1933 campus users to understand their behaviour, perceptions and opinions regarding CB disposal. The assessment was based on a literature review regarding smokers’ disposal behaviour and on the Behaviour Change Wheel framework. The number and condition of the ashtrays on campus were identified, and the disposal behaviour of people who smoke was observed.</p> Results <p>People that smoke and people that do not smoke have different perspectives on CB disposal. Most smokers litter more or less frequently, and 80% reported walking up to a trashcan or ashtray to dispose of it correctly, confirmed by observations. Drawing smokers’ attention to incorrect disposal of CB seems to be effective, but few engage in this activity.</p> Conclusions <p>The main components of behaviour to intervene are opportunity (physical and social), and motivation (reflective and automatic), which can be done by reinforcing ashtray infrastructure that allows appropriate disposal of CB, as a starting point for habit formation, and as a base for awareness campaigns, promoting collective and individual responsibility.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Addressing cigarette butt disposal behaviour on university campus in Portugal

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2025年10月16日

查看全文
  • Marta Carrega,
  • Graça Martinho,
  • Mário Ramos

摘要

Background

The cigarette butt (CB) is often overlooked, despite being an item of waste that has impacts on the environment. Few studies on CB littering are supported with a behaviour framework, and none have been conducted in Portugal in the context of a university campus.

Objective

To identify solutions for the prevention of CB dispersion in the environment supported by a behaviour framework, using a Portuguese higher education campus as the study setting.

Methods

A questionnaire was applied to a sample of 1933 campus users to understand their behaviour, perceptions and opinions regarding CB disposal. The assessment was based on a literature review regarding smokers’ disposal behaviour and on the Behaviour Change Wheel framework. The number and condition of the ashtrays on campus were identified, and the disposal behaviour of people who smoke was observed.

Results

People that smoke and people that do not smoke have different perspectives on CB disposal. Most smokers litter more or less frequently, and 80% reported walking up to a trashcan or ashtray to dispose of it correctly, confirmed by observations. Drawing smokers’ attention to incorrect disposal of CB seems to be effective, but few engage in this activity.

Conclusions

The main components of behaviour to intervene are opportunity (physical and social), and motivation (reflective and automatic), which can be done by reinforcing ashtray infrastructure that allows appropriate disposal of CB, as a starting point for habit formation, and as a base for awareness campaigns, promoting collective and individual responsibility.