Ronald C Plotnikoff1, Sarah A Costigan1,2, Sarah G Kennedy1, Sara L Robards1, John Germov3, Cameron Wild4. 1. a Priority Research Centre in Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Education, University of Newcastle , Callaghan Campus , Australia. 2. b School of Exercise & Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health, Deakin University , Geelong , Australia. 3. c School of Humanities and Social Science, Faculty of Education and Arts, University of Newcastle , Callaghan Campus , Newcastle , Australia. 4. d School of Public Health, University of Alberta , Edmonton , Alberta , Canada.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of interventions targeting alcohol consumption, drug use and smoking for college/university students. PARTICIPANTS: College/University students. METHODS: Studies were eligible if: (1)included students attending universities/colleges; (2)implemented in a university/college setting; (3)aimed to improve at least one of the following behaviors: alcohol and/or drug use and/or smoking; (4)were RCTs. The effect of the interventions on behaviors was determined by the percentage of studies that reported an effect. Due to the heterogeneity of outcomes meta-analysis was not conducted. RESULTS: 88 studies met criteria. University-based interventions were effective for reducing alcohol-related outcomes (drinking patterns, BAC, consequences, problem drinking). Inconsistent findings for drug and smoking were observed. CONCLUSIONS: University-based interventions have the potential to improve health for students. While there is a breadth of research examining the efficacy of interventions to reduce alcohol consumption, further research is needed to determine the best approach for addressing smoking and drug use among students.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of interventions targeting alcohol consumption, drug use and smoking for college/university students. PARTICIPANTS: College/University students. METHODS: Studies were eligible if: (1)included students attending universities/colleges; (2)implemented in a university/college setting; (3)aimed to improve at least one of the following behaviors: alcohol and/or drug use and/or smoking; (4)were RCTs. The effect of the interventions on behaviors was determined by the percentage of studies that reported an effect. Due to the heterogeneity of outcomes meta-analysis was not conducted. RESULTS: 88 studies met criteria. University-based interventions were effective for reducing alcohol-related outcomes (drinking patterns, BAC, consequences, problem drinking). Inconsistent findings for drug and smoking were observed. CONCLUSIONS: University-based interventions have the potential to improve health for students. While there is a breadth of research examining the efficacy of interventions to reduce alcohol consumption, further research is needed to determine the best approach for addressing smoking and drug use among students.
Entities:
Keywords:
Alcohol; University; college; other drugs; smoking; student
Authors: Robert Tholen; Edwin Wouters; Koen Ponnet; Sara De Bruyn; Guido Van Hal Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2020-11-09 Impact factor: 3.390