College students are at risk for disease and death due to risky behaviors that include those contributing to misuse of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs. The purpose of this study was to assess college students' substance taking health risk behaviors, factors associated with those risk behaviors and relationship to health locus of control. Researchers hypothesized that: 1) The percent of college students who ever reported engaging in binge drinking, marijuana use, and tobacco use will be higher than national average as reported on the NCHA survey, 2) External health locus of control will be significantly associated with binge drinking and other substance use. Methods and Sample: A stratified random sample of all students enrolled at mid-sized southern university was drawn by Institutional Research and provided to the researchers. Participants completed an on-line survey. Participants were identified only by their student ID numbers and informed consent was passive. Of the 706 participants, 544 (77.1%) were female and 160 (22.7%) were male. Ages ranged from 18 to 24, 510 (72.2%) were never married. Results: When compared to the National College Health Assessment, our sample reported higher lifetime use of tobacco (64.9% vs 30.6%) as well as higher use in the last 30 days (39% vs 17.6%). With regard to marijuana use, our sample reported higher lifetime use (44% to 34.5%) and higher use in the last 30 days (46.5% vs 15.4%). In addition, a significant positive correlation was found between marijuana use and smoking, alcohol use, and father's education level. The rates of binge drinking were similar (32.5% to 38.5%). Significant positive correlations were found between alcohol and smoking, marijuana use, coffee use, and parents' education level. A significant negative correlation was found between alcohol use and BMI. A significant positive relationship was found between binge drinking and external locus of control. Discussion: An increased emphasis needs to be placed on alcohol and drug use prevention on our campus, as well as gaining an understanding as to causes of student drug use. A positive first step should focus on an evaluation of current campus drug and alcohol use policy and prevention efforts.
At the conclusion of this presentation, attendees will be able to:
1. Compare study results to the NCHA survey results. 2. Identify alcohol use behaviors relationship to other risk behaviors and demographics. 3. Identify the relationship between binge drinking and locus of control.