Journal of alcohol and drug education · 2013 · 33 citations · 4 references
NursingEducational PsychologyInstructionStudent EngagementSubstance Use DisordersSubstance Use PreventionAlcohol Harm ReductionAlcohol Use DisorderAlcohol Use ReductionHarm ReductionSubstance Abuse PreventionSubstance UseAlcohol Misuse Prevention CounselingAlcohol Use Reduction EducationAlcohol-related Harm PreventionAlcohol-related Risk ReductionControl Group DesignHarm Reduction EducationMatched Control GroupShort-term Efficacy Evaluation
This study examined the short-term effects of a web-based alcohol misuse and harm prevention course (College Alc) among incoming freshmen at a California public university. Analysis results indicated that at the end of the fall semester, students randomly assigned to College Alc (n = 173) had a higher level of alcohol-related knowledge and less positive attitude toward alcohol use than students in the control group (n = 197). Students assigned to College Alc also reported a somewhat higher level of intentions to use strategies to minimize alcohol-related harm. College Alc did not have any effects on other targeted psychosocial factors (e.g., alcohol expectancies), alcohol use and heavy drinking, and alcohol-related problems. Observed effect sizes were generally small, suggesting that College Alc may have no effect on students' risk for alcohol misuse and related harm.
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