Citation

Thind H, Rosen RK, Barnett NP, Walaska K, Traficante R, Bock BC. J. Am. Coll. Health 2019; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Affiliation

Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University , Providence , Rhode Island , USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/07448481.2019.1661421

PMID

31518203

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to gain insight about patterns of alcohol use and related consequences among heavy drinking community college students. Participants: About 26 community college students (Mean age 22.3 years, 46% men, 69% White) participated in this study between January and April 2013. Methods: Five qualitative focus group discussions were conducted during formative research preceding a text message intervention; participants were asked about common drinking behavior patterns among community college students, as well as how age and gender affect drinking. Sessions were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Participants also completed a brief quantitative survey about their drinking behavior and its consequences. Results: Qualitative data identified several themes: (1) reasons for drinking, (2) drinking occasions, (3) age- and experience-related differences in drinking, including patterns specific to community college students and women. Conclusion: Research is needed to develop innovative strategies to reduce alcohol harm in this understudied population.

Language: en

Keywords

Alcohol; community college students; focus group discussion; heavy drinking; qualitative study