Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #114031

Scott T. Walters, PhD, Sarah A. Matson, BA, and T. Robert Harris, PhD. School of Public Health, University of Texas, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd V8.112, Dallas, TX 75390-9128, (214) 648-1519, scott.walters@utsouthwestern.edu

Excessive alcohol consumption has been a growing problem at many US colleges and universities, particularly among first-year students, who are at increased risk for problems. In response, colleges have recently begun to examine the alcohol education and prevention programs they offer to students. Motivational interventions that include feedback have shown promise at reducing drinking among groups of heavy drinking college students. However, in-person approaches can be expensive to implement for large groups of students. This intervention tested the efficacy of a commercially available web-based feedback program, the “electronic Check-Up to Go” (e-CHUG) among students enrolled in freshman orientation classes. After completing baseline measures online, 139 drinkers were randomized to receive immediate feedback or to a control condition. To those receiving feedback, the program provided a personalized 4-page report summarizing level of consumption, risk factors, normative comparisons to other college students, and a list of local resources. Preliminary analyses from an 8-week follow-up show overall reductions in both groups in drinks per week, alcohol-related problems, and peak blood alcohol levels. However, those who received the feedback showed significantly greater reductions in peak BAC, a leading indicator of risk. Other outcome measures consistently favored the intervention group, but were not statistically significant. An additional 244 baseline abstainers were also randomized to condition. Among this group, receipt of feedback did not appear to increase drinking. Results from a 16-week follow-up are currently being collected.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe elements of feedback utilized by the e-CHUG intervention for heavy drinking college student.
• Identify indicators of risk for problems with alcohol among college students.
• Discuss ways that a web-based intervention might be integrated into other campus efforts.

Keywords: College Students, Alcohol Use

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.