|
|
|
|
|
Jason Flatt1, Stuart Usdan, PhD, CHES2, Jennifer Cremeens1, Laura Talbott, MS, CHES3, and Larrell Wilkinson1. (1) Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, University of South Carolina, 800 Sumter St., HESC 216, Columbia, SC 29209, 803-777-7029, flatt@mailbox.sc.edu, (2) Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Univeristy of South Carolina, 800 Sumter Street, HESC 220, Columbia, SC 29208, (3) Doctoral Student, University of South Carolina, 1800 Long Creek Drive 12-O, Columbia, SC 29210
Recent findings from national surveys indicate that marijuana use has been increasing in this population over the last decade with more than one-third of college students reported using marijuana in the past year. Researchers have shown that perceived normative support of others consistently predicts personal alcohol use among college students (Borsari and Carey, 2001). Especially for young adults, an individual’s perceived risk often accounts for significant variance in illicit drug use and is an important determinant of behavioral intention (Parsons et al., 1997). However, there has been little research on perceived support or risk as predictors of college marijuana use. For this study, the Core Drug and Alcohol Survey was administered to freshman living on campus in residence halls in a large southeastern university. Findings from this survey show that 21.9% of students reported using marijuana in the last year and 13.2% used the drug during the last month. Chi-Square analyses reveal that there was a significant relationship (X2=56.87, p<.001) between marijuana use in the last month and peer approval of regular use. For non-users, 68.3% felt that their peers strongly disapproved of regular use, while only 17.0% of marijuana users felt strong disapproval from friends. Similarly, perceived risk of regular marijuana use was significantly greater among non-users (53.7%) than current marijuana users (15.1%, X2=46.38, p<.001). Based on these findings coupled with the increasing use of marijuana among college students, colleges should address perceived risk and peer approval in their prevention efforts to reduce illicit drug use on campus.
Learning Objectives: At the end of the session, the participant will be able to
Keywords: Drugs, College Students
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.