Two nursing majors present research after surveying Western students on smoking perspectives, dangers

By Aaron Smullin

October 15, 2009 No Comments

Two of Western’s very own were able to present their research at a symposium in Kansas City, Kan.

The two senior nursing majors, Mary Reid and Jennifer Lindberg presented their research, “Senior Nursing Students Initiate Smoke-Free Campus Policy with Evidence Based Data.” The Symposium, “Excellence through Evidence and Empathy” was held at the University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City, Kansas.

Their research was conducted through a 16 question survey handed out to students during classes last semester. A total of 2,750 surveys were sent out and 1,715, or 62 percent, were sent back. The surveys were used to get opinions and perspectives about smoking and how dangerous it is. Reid would like to see the campus go smoke free.

“I would love our campus to go smoke free,” Reid said. “We should not have to suffer from someone else’s choice.”
Lindberg is also on board to see campus go smoke free.

“It’s a very good thing to do,” Lindberg said. “Smoking not only affects the smoker, but other individuals as well.”

According to the information gathered from research, a small percentage of students reported smoking daily. A majority of students are concerned about secondhand smoke and its health concerns.

“A large percent of people around campus don’t smoke,” Lindberg said. “There is a desire for a smoke free campus.”

The conference was an opportunity for Reid and Lindberg to present their research in front of other nurses and doctors. There were several steps that had to be done prior to presenting the research. The students had to submit an abstract, which is a write up regarding everything that was found out. The abstract was submitted to the university and Reid and Lindberg were invited to attend the Symposium in Kansas City. Presenting this work was an extra step that was taken on by the students.

Both Reid and Lindberg thought it was a great experience to be able to present their research. Lindberg said there were not really any other students there besides themselves. The nurses that were viewing their poster were impressed by the amount of work.

“It is a very rewarding experience,” Lindberg said.

Reid also thought this was a great opportunity and experience.

“It is a good experience to go to a university with doctors and nurses looking at our poster,” Reid said.

Reid was able to learn time management skills, because putting everything together took a lot of time outside of school. Reid was also able to learn about organization and leadership in general.

Professor, Evelyn Brooks, was the faculty sponsor for the project. The sponsor is there for support because the project is completely student driven. Brooks thinks students have great possibilities if given the opportunity. Brooks said; having students do projects like this has shown the quality of students we get.