Tavis Glassman

Extreme Ritualistic Alcohol Consumption Among College Students on Game Day

Abstract Alcohol use and the related consequences associated with college football games are a serious public health issue for university communities. Objective: Examining “Extreme Ritualistic Alcohol Consumption” (ERAC), defined as consuming 10 or more drinks on game day for a male, and 8 or more drinks for a female, is the focus of this study. Participants: In the fall of 2006, college students ages 18 to 24 were randomly selected to complete the Game Day Survey. Methods: Researchers utilized a cross sectional research design to collect data. Results: Sixteen percent of the respondents engaged in ERAC on game day, whereas 36% drank 5 or more drinks (4 or more for females). Male, Caucasian, Greek (members of a social fraternity or sorority), and students of legal drinking age consumed alcohol at disproportionately high rates. Conclusion: Alcohol use is common on game day, with a significant percentage of students placing themselves at risk by drinking large amounts of alcohol.

Strategies for implementing a tobacco-free campus policy.

Abstract This report examines the rationale for creating a tobacco-free campus to utilize in passing antitobacco policies, and recommendations for overcoming barriers. As with any type of advocacy effort, a variety of impediments exist, including lack of administrative and staff support, absence of student involvement, and sparse resources. A variety of potential remedies and advocacy opportunities are explored and delineated.

Why underage college students drink in excess: qualitative research findings

Abstract Background: Excessive alcohol consumption by underage students is a serious and persistent problem facing most U.S. colleges and universities. Purpose: This qualitative study explores why underage students engage in high-risk drinking and examines motivational cues that may serve as behavioral deterrents. Methods: Focus groups were conducted with college students under the age of 21 years (N=59) attending a large university in the southeast. All participants reported consuming five or more drinks in one sitting within the last two weeks (four or more for a female). Results: Participants attach positive expectancies to alcohol use, including peer influence/support and reduction of social anxiety. Negative social consequences such as embarrassment and relationship issues, including perceived sexual opportunities, were cited as disincentives for excessive drinking. Gender distinctions were present among the referenced costs and benefits of excessive alcohol consumption. Discussion: Overall, the negative consequences associated with excess drinking by underage college students are outweighed by positive expectancies such as social approval and acceptance by their peers. Translation to Health Education Practice: Understanding the language, motives and expectancies young people attach to alcohol use can enhance the efficacy of health education and prevention efforts.

Preventing High-Risk Drinking among College Students: A Social Marketing Case Study

Investigators implemented a social marketing intervention to reduce alcohol consumption at a large university in the southeastern United States. The objective was to decrease high-risk drinking and drinking and driving and to change the perception that alcohol use increases sexual opportunities among college students. Formative research revealed that high-risk college students associate undesirable social consequences with excessive drinking (e.g., embarrassing oneself, annoying peers, offending the other sex, or burdening friends). An intervention was developed in which the product was avoiding the social stigma associated with excessive alcohol consumption. Promotional materials illustrating the social repercussions associated with excessive alcohol use and promoting the advantages of moderating ones drinking were disseminated in popular student venues; price was raised by increased law enforcement; and place was addressed by providing alcohol-free alternative activities. Evaluation included a time-series design in which students completed an anonymous online standard alcohol and drug survey and reviewing campus records of drinking under the influence (DUI) citations, alcohol-related judicial violations, and emergency department transports for alcohol overdose. Self-reported high-risk drinking, drinking and driving, and the perception that alcohol facilitates sexual opportunity rates decreased 33%, 45%, and 21%, respectively. DUI violations, alcohol-related judicial violations, and student transports to the emergency department for alcohol overdose decreased 13%, 28%, and 37%, respectively. Programmatic goals and objectives were met. Social marketing interventions appear to be a promising and cost-effective means to reduce high-risk drinking and the associated consequences among college students. Addressing social ramifications appears to be more motivating than conveying the prevalence of high-risk drinking.

Alcohol Measures and Terms: A Perfect Storm for Chronic Confusion

Abstract Members in the prevention and treatment fields continue to examine how to most effectively assess and label high volume alcohol consumption. Terms such as “binge” drinking have resulted in considerable controversy and debate. Conventionally the criteria for assessing high-risk drinking includes: five or drinks for men and four or more drinks for women during a sitting/event/occasion within the previous two weeks. Several standardized instruments simply use the cut off for high-risk drinking as five or more drinks and do not include the gender variable when defining this behavior. Both of these measures have undergone criticism for not including a more specific time element. Yet asking respondents to recall specific time frames from a night of heavy drinking may also compromise validity. Further the 5+/4+ or 5+ drinking criterion does not adequately assess intoxication levels or more extreme levels of alcohol consumption. A variety of special measures and terms have been created to capture heavy drinking behaviors and ritualistic behavior. Researchers and practitioners may benefit by using different measures and terms based on context and their specific prevention goals.

Game-Day Survey Results: Looking at Football Fan Alcohol-related Behaviors

Abstract On college campuses, alcohol abuse is a challenge particularly on football game days. From previous research, it is known that fans drink more and are more affected by excessive alcohol consumption than non-fans. This study explored age and gender issues regarding behaviors and consequences of typical game-day alcohol consumption. A self-administered paper-pencil survey, given to 497 respondents, evaluated alcohol consumption behaviors of fans “tailgating” at a college football game. A descriptive discriminant analysis was conducted with data from respondents who reported drinking (N=352). Three discriminant variables interpreted from data suggest the following: (1) males drink more than females, but females have more adverse consequences when drinking on game days; (2) respondents ages 21–26 years drink more alcohol and are more likely to perceive that friends drink excessively versus other age groups; and (3) respondents ages 24–26 years were more aware than other groups of anti-alcohol campus campaigns, but drink more on game days, and are more likely to frequent bars and tailgating areas. A “one-size-fits-all“ approach to intervention is not adequate for college campus population needs. It is important to identify target populations for tailored intervention efforts concerning outcomes of excessive drinking during game days.

Perceptions of College and University Presidents Regarding Tobacco-Free Campus Policies

Abstract Objective: To identify college presidents’ support for tobacco-free campus policies (TFCP), perceived barriers and benefits to implementing such policies, and activities that might initiate policy adoption. Participants: Participants were 405 presidents (51% of 796 delivered surveys) from a national sample of eligible 4-year institutions in summer 2012. Methods: A 4-page, 24-item cross-sectional questionnaire was mailed to potential participants in 4 waves to maximize the response rate. Results: The vast majority of presidents support TFCP (84%) and believed they should play a key role in establishing TFCP (80%). A majority agreed advocacy by campus groups was necessary to establishing TFCP. Presidents with an existing policy were twice as likely to believe advocacy was necessary for policy establishment. Presidents most commonly selected creating policy drafts and designating a committee as important to initiating TFCP. Conclusion: Advocates would benefit from focusing on presidential involvement and solutions to personnel barriers in establishing TFCP.

Game Day Alcohol Expectancies among College Students from a University in the Southeast

Abstract Background: The alcohol consumption associated with college sporting events depicts a public health challenge. Purpose: The aim of this investigation involved assessing the alcohol expectancies among college students associated with home football games and which of these expectancies was most predictive of high-risk drinking. Methods: Researchers employed a cross-sectional study design, collecting data via an electronic survey the Monday after the final home football game of the season from a group of randomly selected college students. Results: An exploratory factor analysis revealed four expectancies were associated with alcohol use on game day: Rowdy Fan, Fun, Social Confidence and Sexual Opportunity. The Rowdy Fan construct was the most predictive of alcohol use on game day; whereas, the Sexual Opportunity expectancy was not statistically significant. Discussion: The results from this study indicate college students are motivated to drink on game day to root for their team, have fun, and to enhance their social confidence. Translation to Health Education Practice: Alcohol expectancies are common; however, people drinking alcohol to enhance their rowdiness to cheer for their team constitutes a unique expectancy which public health and school officials must address. Health communication and media literacy campaigns may help remedy entrenched alcohol expectancies.

Perceptions of Elementary School Children's Parents Regarding Sexuality Education

This study examined the preferences of parents of elementary school-aged children regarding when sexuality topics should be discussed in school and at home. The survey was mailed to a national random sample of parents of elementary school age children. Overall, 92% of parents believed that sexuality education should be taught in schools. Independent t-tests showed statistically significant differences between mothers and fathers regarding when sexuality education topics should be taught in elementary school as well as when they planned to discuss sexuality topics at home with their child. This study provides valuable information regarding parents’ perceptions about sexuality education.

A Health Communication Intervention To Reduce High-Risk Drinking Among College Students

This investigation examined the effect of a health communication intervention on the alcohol consumption patterns of first-year college students. Researchers employed a quasi-experimental design consisting of students in three residence halls at two Midwestern universities. Between-group comparisons revealed students receiving the intervention drank less and experienced fewer alcohol-related consequences. A systematic high-dose health communication campaign represents a promising prevention strategy to implement on college campuses.