5169.0: Wednesday, November 15, 2000 - 3:06 PM

Abstract #16523

The Nationally Historically Black Colleges and Universities (NHBCU) Substance Use Survey Project: A Pilot Study of Use, Attitudes and Beliefs in HBCU College Freshman

Kimberly Jeffries Leonard, PhD, MayaTech Corporation, 8737 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3921, (301) 587-1600, kimberly@mayatech.com

Research on alcohol and drug use for college students has increased. In the midst of expanded research, however, there is little documentation on substance use among African American college students. It is clear that when African Americans enter young adulthood, their risk of developing substance-related problems is substantially greater than that of their white counterparts. The NHBCU Substance Use Survey Project is focused on increasing awareness of substance abuse-related problems on our nation’s HBCU campuses. In addition, the purposes of this study are to assess the student attitudes, knowledge and behaviors regarding alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and other illicit drugs (ATMOD) and to identify protective and/or risk factors for substance use in entering freshmen at HBCUs.

A pilot study was conducted in two phases at 39 HBCUs. Phase I data was collected during the 1998/1999 school year, while Phase II data was collected during the 1999/2000 school year. Data from over 10,000 respondents were analyzed. Preliminary results from the anonymous self-report survey indicate that attending college seems to have an effect on drinking behavior. Gender patterns are also emerging regarding access to ATMODs. Attitude differences are seen between alcohol and the other substances presented. In addition, comparisons between the two phases will be explored. These results will be the first steps in filling gaps in the literature and contribute incremental knowledge about an important, but understudied, population.

Learning Objectives: 1. Focus on increasing awareness of substance abuse-related problems on our nation’s HBCU campuses 2. Identify gender patterns emerged regarding access to ATMODs. 3. Fill gaps in the literature and contribute incremental knowledge about an important, but understudied HBCU population

Keywords: Alcohol Use, Substance Abuse

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA