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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Joseph W. VanderVeen, BA¹, David Trotter, BA¹, Donna Bacchi, MD², Kerren McDougal, EdD², Lee Cohen, PhD¹, and Stuart Allen². (1) Clinical Psychology, Texas Tech University, Box 42051, Lubbock, TX 79409, (2) Pediatrics, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 3601 4th St, MS 9406, Lubbck, TX 79430, 8067434481, donna.bacchi@ttuhsc.edu

Binge drinking is a large public health concern among college students. It is defined as consuming 5 or more drinks in one sitting and is more prevalent among college students when compared to their non-college attending peers. Prevalence rates for binge drinking among college students have been found to be between 21 and 44%. This study examined whether a web based intervention could promote healthier living among college students. Students were randomly selected from each class ranking to complete a short survey online and to become familiar with the TechFresh.org website. The same students were then assessed three months later. Out of the 338 students retained, a sub-sample of 260 was created to represent college students who drink alcohol. Specifically, the differences found among binge drinkers (n=70) and non-binge drinkers (n=190) were measured. Results at the 3 month follow-up showed a significant decrease in hazardous drinking behaviors reported by the binge drinking group {t (69) = 3.89, p<. 001}. Results indicate that using a web-based intervention, such as TechFresh.org, gives college students exposure to healthy lifestyle habits while also discouraging heavy alcohol use.

Supported by: The Center for Tobacco Prevention and Control, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

CORRESPONDING AUTHOR: Joseph VanderVeen, TTU, Department of Psychology (Box 42051), Lubbock, Texas 79409-2051; joe.vanderveen@ttu.edu

Learning Objectives:

• To evaluate the role a web-based intervention has on binge drinking among college students.
• To identify target groups that web-based interventions will work best for.

Related Web page: www.techfresh.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered