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Steers MLN, Wickham RE, Ploykao T, Buchholz W, Tanygin AB, Ward RM. Should I stay (home) or should I go (party)? Examination of drinking as a mediator of the relationship between alcohol-related social media content and adherence to COVID-19 recommendations among college students. Drug Alcohol Rev 2024. [PMID: 39269311 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic impacted young people's drinking. Yet, despite social gatherings posing a known risk for increased contraction, some college students still congregated to drink. Furthermore, some students posted about these drinking events to their public and/or private social media feeds. It is crucial to understand the relationships between posting alcohol-related content (ARC), drinking and adherence to COVID-19 recommendations because they may have contributed to the spread of the virus. METHODS The current interval contingent, 14-day diary study assessed students' (N = 129) public and private ARC; their drinking; percentage of time wearing a mask and social distancing; and number of people they socialised with during drinking events (total crowd size) each day. RESULTS Multilevel structural equation modelling was employed to examine relationships between ARC posting, drinking and behavioural outcomes. On days in which students posted both public and private ARC, they tended to drink more and in turn, reported attending gatherings with larger crowds. Curiously, on days in which students drank more, they indicated more mask wearing and social distancing, and on days in which students posted more private ARC, they also reported larger crowds. Finally, an indirect effect of drinking on the links between public and private ARC and mask wearing, social distancing and total crowd sizes emerged. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Findings revealed students continued to post and drink socially despite the risks, which may have encouraged others within their networks to engage in similar risky behaviours. Future public health crises should balance young people's need for social connection with risk mitigation efforts.
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McNamara IA, Soto D, Su J, Dick DM. Family History and Alcohol Use Outcomes: Examining Transmission of Risk through Impulsivity and the Moderating Role of Organized Sports Participation. Subst Use Misuse 2023; 58:1090-1101. [PMID: 37194673 PMCID: PMC10247443 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2023.2205518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND College students are at risk for alcohol misuse and those who participate in organized sports are at even higher risk. Family history of alcohol problems (FH) and impulsivity are well-documented risk factors for alcohol use outcomes, but no research has examined the role of organized sports participation in moderating these associations. This study examined the associations between FH, alcohol consumption and alcohol use disorder (AUD) symptoms, the role of UPPS-P (Urgency, Premeditation, Perseverance, Sensation Seeking, Positive Urgency impulsive behavior scale) impulsivity dimensions in mediating the association between FH and alcohol use outcomes, and whether these associations vary by students' organized sports participation. METHOD Participants (N = 3,959, 64.7% female, 51.8% White; Mean age = 18.48 years, SD = .40) were recruited from a large, public university and completed an online survey in the fall and spring semesters of their first year in college. Path analyses were conducted in Mplus. RESULTS FH was associated with higher levels of alcohol consumption and more AUD symptoms. Lack of premeditation, lack of perseverance, and negative urgency partially mediated the associations between FH and alcohol consumption and AUD symptoms. The association between negative urgency and AUD symptoms was stronger for organized sports participants. CONCLUSIONS Impulsivity dimensions are risk factors for both alcohol consumption and AUD symptoms and serve as important pathways for the transmission of risk between generations. Prevention and intervention efforts aimed at reducing problematic alcohol use should target impulsivity generally, and particularly negative urgency among college students who participate in organized sports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian A McNamara
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Derek Soto
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Jinni Su
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Danielle M Dick
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
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Wyrick DL, Tanner AE, Milroy JJ, Guastaferro K, Bhandari S, Kugler KC, Thorpe S, Ware S, Miller AM, Collins LM. itMatters: Optimization of an online intervention to prevent sexually transmitted infections in college students. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2022; 70:1212-1222. [PMID: 32692637 PMCID: PMC7909750 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2020.1790571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
ObjectiveTo describe an iterative approach to developing an online intervention targeting the intersection of alcohol use and sexual behaviors among first year college students. Methods and Participants: Using the multiphase optimization strategy (MOST), we conducted two iterative optimization trials to: (1) identify candidate intervention components (i.e., descriptive norms, injunctive norms, outcome expectancies, perceived benefits of protective behavioral strategies, and self-efficacy to use strategies); (2) revise components; and (3) identify the optimized intervention. Participants were first year college students at six geographically diverse universities (optimization trial 1 N = 5,880; optimization trial 2 N = 3,551) Results: For both optimization trials, the results indicated that only descriptive and injunctive norms produced a significant effect (p<.05). Conclusions: The iterative process of MOST allowed us to develop an optimized intervention which is an essential tool to maximize intervention effectiveness and efficiency to improve uptake, sustainability, and public health impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L. Wyrick
- The University of North Carolina Greensboro, Department of Public Health Education, Greensboro, North Carolina
| | - Amanda E. Tanner
- The University of North Carolina Greensboro, Department of Public Health Education, Greensboro, North Carolina
| | - Jeffrey J. Milroy
- The University of North Carolina Greensboro, Department of Public Health Education, Greensboro, North Carolina
| | - Kate Guastaferro
- The Pennsylvania State University, Methodology Center, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Sandesh Bhandari
- The Pennsylvania State University, Methodology Center, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Kari C. Kugler
- The Pennsylvania State University, Department of Biobehavioral Health, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Shemeka Thorpe
- The University of North Carolina Greensboro, Department of Public Health Education, Greensboro, North Carolina
| | - Samuella Ware
- The University of North Carolina Greensboro, Department of Public Health Education, Greensboro, North Carolina
| | - Alicia M. Miller
- The University of North Carolina Greensboro, Department of Public Health Education, Greensboro, North Carolina
| | - Linda M. Collins
- The Pennsylvania State University, Methodology Center, University Park, Pennsylvania
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Weyandt LL, Gudmundsdottir BG, Holding EZ, Marraccini ME, Keith M, May SE, Shepard E, Francis A, Wilson ED, Channell I, Sweeney C. Prescription opioid misuse among university students: A systematic review. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2022; 70:1119-1137. [PMID: 32780647 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2020.1786095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Misuse of prescription opioids has substantially increased in the past decade among the general population, including among university students. Relative to the literature concerning opioid misuse among the general population, little information is available regarding the college student population. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to conduct a systematic review of the literature concerning the prevalence of prescription opioid misuse among the university student population. Results: The lifetime estimate for prescription opioid misuse among general populations of students ranged from 4% to 19.7%, with higher estimates for special student populations. Students most at risk for misuse of prescription opioids are those who report higher rates of psychological distress, depression, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and white, male students who use alcohol and illicit drugs. Conclusions: Findings from this study underscore the need for opioid prevention and intervention programs on university campuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa L Weyandt
- Department of Psychology, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
| | | | - Emily Z Holding
- School of Education, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Marisa E Marraccini
- School of Education, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Megan Keith
- Department of Psychology, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Shannon E May
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Emily Shepard
- Department of Psychology, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Alyssa Francis
- Department of Psychology, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Elizabeth D Wilson
- School of Education, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Isabella Channell
- Department of Psychology, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Caroline Sweeney
- Department of Psychology, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
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Rulison KL, Milroy JJ, Wyrick DL. A randomized iterative approach to optimizing an online substance use intervention for collegiate athletes. Transl Behav Med 2021; 12:6358165. [PMID: 34436618 DOI: 10.1093/tbm/ibab119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rates of drug use among collegiate athletes are high, yet there are few evidence-based interventions for this population. myPlaybook, an online intervention for collegiate athletes, targets multiple predictors of drug use (i.e., norms, positive and negative expectancies about use, and harm prevention intentions). PURPOSE We aimed to optimize modules from myPlaybook. METHOD We evaluated modules through three sequential randomized factorial trials, using the Multiphase Optimization Strategy framework. We recruited and randomized 54 (Trial 1), 47 (Trial 2), and 42 (Trial 3) schools and invited all first-year and transfer collegiate athletes to participate. Athletes completed a baseline survey, their randomly assigned modules, and immediate posttest and 30-day follow-up surveys. Across trials, 3,244 (48.8% female), 2,837 (51.9% female), and 2,193 (51.4% female) athletes participated. In Trial 1, we evaluated and revised less effective modules (defined as d < 0.3-0.4 for targeted outcomes). In Trial 2, we re-evaluated and revised less effective modules. In Trial 3, we re-evaluated the revised modules. RESULTS Trial 1: All effects were d < 0.15, so we revised modules to target proximal outcomes (i.e., the hypothesized mediating variables in our conceptual model), rather than specific drug use behaviors. Trial 2: Most effects were d < 0.3, so we revised all modules. Trial 3: The norms module improved descriptive and injunctive norms (all d >0.35). The expectancies module improved alcohol positive expectancies (d = 0.3). The other modules were not effective. CONCLUSIONS After three trials, two myPlaybook modules substantially improved proximal outcomes, increasing the likelihood that the combined intervention will have a meaningful clinical impact on collegiate athletes' drug use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly L Rulison
- Department of Human Development & Family Studies Penn State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Jeffrey J Milroy
- Department of Public Health Education, UNC Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA.,Institute to Promote Athlete Health & Wellness, UNC Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - David L Wyrick
- Department of Public Health Education, UNC Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA.,Institute to Promote Athlete Health & Wellness, UNC Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA
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Ramsden R, Hewitt D, Williams J, Emberton L, Bennett C. Tackling student drinking within the drinking subculture of a university sports competition: a culture change approach. HEALTH EDUCATION 2021. [DOI: 10.1108/he-01-2021-0006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PurposeThis paper explores the impact of a suite of alcohol culture change interventions implemented by Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia. The interventions were designed to change the alcohol culture at a bi-annual nation-wide university multi-sport competition known as Uni Nationals. This study aims to understand the critical success factors of the alcohol culture change initiatives that were developed by the university and implemented as part of a broader set of institutional practices.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative research design utilised in-depth, semi-structured interviews with nine Uni Nationals student team leaders. In total, two group interviews and four individual interviews were conducted with student team leaders who participated in the Uni Nationals. The interview transcripts were coded and themed. The themes were further refined and interpreted into a narrative. A total of two transcripts were independently coded by the first two authors. Discordant coding was flagged and discussed until a consensus was achieved. The remaining interviews were coded by the first author and discussed with the second author to ensure consistency. A socio-ecological framework was used to understand perceived changes to alcohol culture.FindingsStudent leaders were aware of and felt supported by the university-wide approach to changing the culture of Uni Nationals. Overall, the qualitative study indicated that students were positive about the alcohol culture change interventions. The leadership training that engaged team leaders in interactive activities had the greatest impact. Student leaders found the targeted messages, mocktail events and Chef de Mission (CdM) less effective cultural change strategies. However, they helped to establish expectations of students in this setting where a heightened focus on sport was associated with higher alcohol consumption.Originality/valueWhile there has been growing academic interest in exploring “drinking cultures”, there has been relatively little focus on alcohol culture of university students at sporting events. The paper contributes to addressing this gap by shedding light on the impact of a group of interventions on the drinking culture of the Uni Nationals subculture.
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Tanner AE, Guastaferro KM, Rulison KL, Wyrick DL, Milroy JJ, Bhandari S, Thorpe S, Ware S, Miller AM, Collins LM. A Hybrid Evaluation-Optimization Trial to Evaluate an Intervention Targeting the Intersection of Alcohol and Sex in College Students and Simultaneously Test an Additional Component Aimed at Preventing Sexual Violence. Ann Behav Med 2021; 55:1184-1187. [PMID: 33704366 DOI: 10.1093/abm/kaab003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Using the multiphase optimization strategy (MOST), we previously developed and optimized an online behavioral intervention, itMatters, aimed at reducing the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STI) among first-year college students by targeting the intersection of alcohol use and sexual behaviors. PURPOSE We had two goals: (a) to evaluate the optimized itMatters intervention and (b) to determine whether the candidate sexual violence prevention (SVP) component (included at the request of participating universities) had a detectable effect and therefore should be added to create a new version of itMatters. We also describe the hybrid evaluation-optimization trial we conducted to accomplish these two goals in a single experiment. METHODS First year college students (N = 3,098) at four universities in the USA were individually randomized in a hybrid evaluation-optimization 2 × 2 factorial trial. Data were analyzed using regression models, with pre-test outcome variables included as covariates in the models. Analyses were conducted separately with (a) immediate post-test scores and (b) 60-day follow-up scores as outcome variables. RESULTS Experimental results indicated a significant effect of itMatters on targeted proximal outcomes (norms) and on one distal behavioral outcome (binge drinking). There were no significant effects on other behavioral outcomes, including the intersection of alcohol and sexual behaviors. In addition, there were mixed results (positive short-term effect; no effect at 60-day follow-up) of the SVP component on targeted proximal outcomes (students' self-efficacy to reduce/prevent sexual violence and perceived effectiveness of protective behavioral strategies). CONCLUSIONS The hybrid evaluation-optimization trial enabled us to evaluate the individual and combined effectiveness of the optimized itMatters intervention and the SVP component in a single experiment, conserving resources and providing greatly improved efficiency. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT04095065.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda E Tanner
- Department of Public Health Education, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - Kate M Guastaferro
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Kelly L Rulison
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - David L Wyrick
- Department of Public Health Education, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - Jeffrey J Milroy
- Department of Public Health Education, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - Sandesh Bhandari
- Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Shemeka Thorpe
- Department of Public Health Education, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - Samuella Ware
- Department of Public Health Education, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - Alicia M Miller
- Department of Public Health Education, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - Linda M Collins
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, USA
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Olthuis JV, Zamboanga BL, Perrotte JK, McAulay T. Relevance of Athlete-Specific Psychosocial Factors in High School Student-Athlete Alcohol Consumption. Subst Use Misuse 2021; 56:264-274. [PMID: 33371757 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2020.1861629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Background: Research suggests that adolescent student-athletes are at heightened risk for alcohol consumption. The identification of unique, modifiable risk factors for alcohol use in this population is needed. Purpose/Objectives: Building on previous work highlighting the importance of each of athlete-specific drinking motives and alcohol expectancies, this study investigated whether athlete-specific psychosocial predictors optimize our ability to predict adolescent athlete alcohol consumption after accounting for general psychosocial predictors. Methods: Participants were 352 current high school student-athletes who completed a self-report questionnaire about their alcohol use attitudes, behaviors, and cognitions. Results: Hierarchical regression revealed that among the total sample, gender, class year, liquid courage/sociability, sexuality, and negative alcohol expectancies, and negative athletic-functioning alcohol expectancies predicted alcohol consumption. Among lifetime drinkers, gender, class year, enhancement motives, conformity motives (negative), negative athlete-functioning alcohol expectancies, and sport-related coping motives predicted alcohol consumption. Conclusions/Importance: Negative athletic-functioning alcohol expectancies and sport-related coping motives emerged as important, athlete-specific predictors of adolescent athlete alcohol use. These factors provide important opportunities for targeted prevention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine V Olthuis
- Department of Psychology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada
| | - Byron L Zamboanga
- Department of Psychology, Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jessica K Perrotte
- Department of Psychology, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, USA
| | - Taylor McAulay
- Department of Psychology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada
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