The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #72283

Cherie Green, MS¹, Angela Cerney, BS¹, Isabella Photrou, BS¹, Christine Labyk, MS, CNP, CHES², and Ken Culton, MS, LCSW². (1) Health and Recreation Education, Certificate in Gerontology Program, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, 232 Green Road, Murphysboro, IL 62966, 618-201-0733, cherigr@yahoo.com, (2) Student Health Sevices Wellness Center, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Beimfhor Hall, Carbondale, IL 62901

Binge drinking among college students is a problem at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, as it is throughout the United States, especially when students turn 21. Previous studies have shown that drinking increases as students turn 21. Most studies about college students drinking have used surveys, either through the mail or by phone. This study uses focus groups among SIUC college students between the ages of 19 and 23 to gain insight on why students binge drink on their 21st birthday. This presentation is about the process of developing focus groups and content analysis in order to create a 21st birthday card that will send a message without being antagonistic or belittling the attended audience. The Wellness Center of SIUC, along with three graduate students in a Health Evaluation Class developed a 21st birthday card using insight that was gained from the focus groups

Learning Objectives:

Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, participants will be able to:
• Identify issues that face college and university students drinking choices
• Understand using focus groups to identify age, race, and cultural approaches for appropriate social marketing.
• Importance of using focus groups for assessments and evaluations

Keywords: College Students, Binge Drinking

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.