Effectiveness of a web-based alcohol-misuse and harm-prevention course among high--and low-risk students

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
David L. Wyrick, Associate Professor (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: Objective: In the current study, the authors assessed whether a new online alcohol-misuse prevention course (College Alc) is more effective at reducing alcohol use and related consequences among drinkers and nondrinkers. Participants: The authors compared incoming college freshmen who reported any past 30-day alcohol use before the beginning of the semester with those who did not. Method Summary: The authors randomly assigned students who completed a precollege baseline survey to either complete a 3-hour noncredit version of College Alc or serve as members of a control group. The authors conducted a follow-up survey 3 months later. Results: Findings indicated that among freshmen who were regular drinkers before college, College Alc appeared to reduce the frequency of heavy drinking, drunkenness, and negative alcohol-related consequences. Among freshmen who did not report any past-30-day alcohol use before college, College Alc did not appear to have any beneficial effects. Conclusions: Results suggest that College Alc may be an effective program for students with a history of alcohol use.

Additional Information

Publication
Journal of American College Health, 55(4), 247-254.
Language: English
Date: 2007
Keywords
Alcohol use, College students, Harm prevention, Heavy drinking

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