Context of young adult alcohol-related elevations in blood pressure: A campus based study

Background: Young adulthood is the period when alcohol consumption is most prevalent and college campuses are key settings for risky drinking. Prior studies provide evidence of the relationship between drinking and elevated blood pressure (BP); however, the preponderance of evidence is from studies of populations in middle and older adulthood. A college campus may be a setting ripe for understanding the context of the development of alcohol-related elevations in BP. The purpose of this qualitative study was to develop a schema for the context in which alcohol-related elevations in blood pressure occur in a University setting.

Methods and Results: Three focus groups and eleven in-depth individual interviews were conducted with college undergraduates (ages 18-25). Data from focus groups and interviews were transcribed and preliminary analyses were conducted to develop a list of preliminary themes concerning the context of drinking, elevated blood pressure, and potential points of intervention. Preliminary themes were grouped in the following categories: campus experience, stress, alcohol, blood pressure, weight/physical activity, and interventions. We found that most of our sample was not aware of associations between drinking and elevated BP. They related BP problems to lack of physical activity and poor nutrition. None identified a specific type of campus professional as the best resource for either drinking or blood pressure problems. Further, they expected to see information or programming on both alcohol use and hypertension at the University Health Center and the campus sports and recreation facility. Implications for campus-based programs that bridge these issues will be discussed.