Implications for college health programming: Predictors of prescription opioid misuse in college students

Background:  The nonmedical use of prescription opioids (NMUPO) has risen steadily over the past two decades. Research indicates that NMUPO is most prevalent from the ages of 18 to 25.   NMUPO is a health concern because it can lead adverse health behaviors, drug dependence, and addiction.  National studies have shown that NMUPO prevalence varies across college campuses, and few efforts programming efforts have been effective in reducing NMUPO in the college setting.  Purpose: To investigate the role that school affiliation, alcohol use, prescription status and demographics had on NMUPO.  Methods: Paper and pencil surveys were administered in class to students from a private religious university and a large public university in the southern US.  Results: The sample consisted of 775 undergraduate students; approximately 69% of the students were female, 69% were Caucasian, 35% had a current prescription, and 21% reported NMUPO.  Findings from logistic regression indicate that current prescription (OR=7.88, p<.001), binge drinking status (OR=1.75, p<.01), and college affiliation (OR=1.57, p<.05) all predicted NMUPO, while Greek-affiliation, gender, GPA, and ethnicity were not significant predictors.  Discussion: This study indicates that individual campus climate and associated factors may contribute to NMUPO, and health education efforts should be tailored to the individual institution. This public health issue can be combatted through targeted education programs that inform young adults about risks and common misconceptions of NMUPO. Future studies should further explore intrinsic factors such as religious affiliation and place attachment.