Efficacy of alcohol interventions for first-year college students: A meta-analytic review of randomized controlled trials.

Abstract

Objective Alcohol use established during the first-year of college can result in adverse consequences during the college years and beyond. This meta-analysis evaluates the efficacy of interventions to prevent alcohol misuse by first-year college students. Methods Prevention studies were included if the study reported an individual- or group-level intervention using a randomized controlled trial, targeted first-year college students, and assessed alcohol use. Forty-one studies with 62 separate interventions (N = 24,294; 57% women; 77% White) were included. Independent raters coded sample, design, methodological features, and intervention content. Weighted mean effect sizes, using fixed- and random-effects models, were calculated. Potential moderators, determined a priori, were examined to explain variability in effect sizes. Results Relative to controls, students receiving an intervention reported lower quantity and frequency of drinking and fewer problems (d+s = 0.07 – 0.14). These results were more pronounced when the interventions were compared to an assessment-only control group (d+s = 0.11 – 0.19). Intervention content (e.g., personalized feedback) moderated the efficacy of the intervention. Conclusions Behavioral interventions for first-year college students reduce alcohol consumption and alcohol-related problems. Interventions that include personalized feedback, moderation strategies, expectancy challenge, identification of risky situations, and goal setting optimize efficacy. Strategies to prevent alcohol misuse among first-year students are recommended.

Risk Factors Associated With Hookah Use

“…Scott-Sheldon et al and Webb et al recently published reviews of efficacious interventions that could potentially be used to target these atrisk groups. 52,53 Accordingly, educational information about the public health harms associated with hookah smoking should be delivered to individuals at-risk for hookah smoking given the likelihood that misconceptions about the safety of hookah smoking could be driving, at least in-part, one's intent to smoke hookah again. In summary, our study enables prevention efforts to more accurately delivery targeted messages to individuals who are at increased risk for hookah use and may benefit from preventive intervention.…”

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A critique of Fox's industry‐funded report into the drivers of anti‐social behaviour in the night‐time economies of Australia and New Zealand

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