Educational impacts of an alcohol education program for college freshmen

PURPOSE: This study examined the impact of a required on-line alcohol education program for new students entering a private liberal arts college. METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted analyzing knowledge, attitudes and behaviors in college freshmen (n=1200 over 2 years with 65% women, 35% men) in freshmen who completed an education program before the start of college orientation, and then took a post –test thirty days after the start of the academic semester. RESULTS: Students increased their overall knowledge from an average pre-test score of 57 to a post test score of 85 (p < .01), and the range in low to high test scores was reduced from 90 to 25 points. Students showed positive attitudes towards the harmful impact of alcohol on their academic and personal life (p < .05). The students who completed the course also showed a reduction in the number of alcoholic beverages consumed in the first month of college life (p < .01). Other positive behavior changes were noted for alternative beverage choices, decisions concerning drinking and driving, as well as for the amount of time spent in drinking activities (p < .05). Students also reported positive qualitative data about the course impact. CONCLUSION: A required on-line alcohol education program prior to the start of a first year student's academic year may have a positive impact on knowledge, attitudes and behaviors during the first month of college life, a time when many new students are more vulnerable to harmful alcohol consumption.