Showing papers in "Journal of American College Health in 1987"

Recent research on gender differences in collegiate alcohol use.

Abstract: Gender differences in collegiate alcohol use are reviewed in the literature from 1975–1986 with respect to (1) overall differences in drinking motivations, consequences, and consumption patterns; (2) evidence for historical convergence (a lessening of gender differences over time); (3) developmentally related patterns of alcohol use in transition to and during the years of college; and (4) the relative impact of environmental influences on drinkng patterns. There is considerable agreement in the literature regarding overall gender differences: Men drink more often, in greater quantities, with more negative consequences, and are more likely to drink to get drunk. These differences may be the result of a somewhat misleading gender dichotomy, however, with most men and women sharing a large amount of overlap regarding consumption levels. Historical trends toward convergence of men's and women's drinking have occurred with respect to the percentage of students who drink and the frequency of consumpti...

AIDS awareness and information sources among selected university students.

Abstract: AIDS has received considerable attention in the media since cases began being reported in the United States in 1981, but little research has been focused on the penetration of educational messages about AIDS in sexually active groups. The purpose of this study was to assess both knowledge of and sources about AIDS in a sample of selected university students. A 20-item forced-choice inventory consisting of cognitive and demographic items and based on fact sheets from the Centers for Disease Control was constructed and distributed in a general education course to 161 university students selected through cluster sampling from a pool of approximately 500 potential respondents. Overall, knowledge of key AIDS-related facts was high. However, 37.3% of the sample was unclear about AIDS' lethal potential, 35.4% did not recognize AIDS-associated opportunistic diseases, and 31.7% did not relate risk of contracting AIDS with indiscriminant sexual behavior. The three leading reported sources of AIDS informati...

Self-Reported Alcohol, Drug, and Eating-Disorder Problems among Male and Female Collegiate Children of Alcoholics

Abstract: This study determined the proportion of entering freshmen who were children of an alcoholic parent (COAs) by using a self-report survey. The relationship between freshmen COAs' own propensity for substance abuse was also investigated. Finally, the validity of two self-report methods of measuring the dependent variable of parental alcoholism was examined. The hypothesis that parental alcoholism increases the likelihood of substance abuse—alcohol, drug, or food—in offspring was supported by the findings. This appears to hold true for both male and female COAs, who reported substantially greater levels of each problem than freshmen without parental alcoholism. Overall, males reported higher levels of alcohol and other drug problems, and females reported higher levels of eating disorders. However, among COAs, proportionately more males than females reported an eating disorder; proportionately more females than males reported an alcohol or other drug problem. Parental alcoholism was also strongly asso...

The disturbed adolescent goes to college.

Abstract: During the past three years, the authors have undertaken an epidemiological study of mental health and mental illness among a randomly selected group of 350 high school students in three Chicago area high schools. Of these, 60 students were studied during their first post high school year. The major finding was that 20% of the students entering college were disturbed and in need of mental health care. We were interested in the help-seeking behavior among both our high school and post high school sample: Who gets mental health care for what problems, and if they do not receive care, why not? This paper also briefly reviews the rate of adolescent and young adult suicide in the past decade. The discussion focuses on the need for colleges to help those students who enter college with emotional problems but who have never received mental health care.

Screening for problem drinking in college freshmen.

Abstract: Several brief questionnaires have been developed for use in screening for alcoholism. College students manifest a different spectrum of drinking behaviors from adult alcoholics, and these questionnaires have not been validated for use in this group. This study examines the ability of the CAGE, Brief MAST, and Trauma Score to identify problem drinkers among college students. Problem drinkers were identified as individuals who both drank more heavily than 75% of their peers and had experienced a negative social or physical consequence as a result of their drinking. They were compared with a group of drinkers with neither characteristic. The CAGE was best able to separate these groups, with a sensitivity of 57% and a specificity of 85%. The Trauma Score and Brief MAST had optimal sensitivities of 45% and 34% and specificities of 79% and 46%, respectively. When used as a screening test for problem drinking in a population similar to ours, the CAGE will fail to identify 43% of problem drinkers due to ...

Foreign student syndrome: fact or fable?

Abstract: Emigration for tertiary education is becoming more common, particularly among students from third world countries. Since the early sixties, it has been observed in several countries that foreign students have higher rates of attendance at student health services than the native born students. It is the contention of the authors that differential rates of attendance among foreign students do not reflect, as has been claimed, stress-induced morbidity among them. Factors such as cultural differences in attendance rates, proximity to the health center, lifestyle, and presentation in the doctor-patient encounter as determinants of the frequency and patterns of consultation will be discussed. The possibility that foreign students may enjoy better health (as measured by their consultation rates) than their counterparts studying at home will be considered.

Use of the Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory with a college population.

Abstract: Use of the Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory (SASSI), a new instrument for assessing the presence of chemical dependency, was tested on a college population. In tests with 376 subjects, the SASSI showed significant promise in discriminating between nonabusers, moderate abusers, and severe abusers. Further, results of the SASSI obvious attributes scale were correlated in the expected directions with indicators of level of chemical use. The particular need for an alcohol and drug abuse assessment instrument that is relatively impervious to social desirability effects is discussed in light of the history of assessment problems in this area.

The symptom of insomnia in university students.

Abstract: The treatment of insomnia in a university health setting is discussed. Transient, stress-related insomnia is distinguished from chronic insomnia, and methods of treatment for each condition are presented. The causes of chronic insomnia include depression, conditioned-arousal insomnia, anxiety, chronic overwork or stress, the Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome, and abuse of alcohol and drugs. The author reviews medications used for the treatment of insomnia, emphasizing the importance of communicating to the patient that medication use is to be short term and that the aim of treatment is to restore the ability to sleep without drugs. A list of suggestions designed to help patients encourage normal sleep is included.

Immunizations in college health: the remaining tasks.

Abstract: Vaccine-preventable diseases, particularly measles and rubella, continue to have an adverse impact on health on college campuses. During 1985, 354 cases of measles (12.6% of the national total) occurred on 26 campuses in 14 states and the District of Columbia. Nearly two-thirds of college students with measles in 1985 had inadequate evidence of immunity. A total of 65 students (18.4%) required hospitalization; 3 died, accounting for all measles-related deaths in 1985. In 4 outbreaks accounting for 103 (29.1%) college cases, the index case was a student who acquired measles while traveling abroad. During 1983–1985, 7 rubella outbreaks were reported on the nation's campuses with 132 cases (6% of the national total). Three-quarters of college students with rubella had inadequate evidence of immunity. Measles and rubella can be eliminated from college campuses if college health services, clinicians, and public health officials (1) work to maintain high immunization levels, (2) improve surveillance an...

Preventive medicine and college alcohol abuse.

Abstract: University students at a large northeastern university were surveyed in two successive years to determine their drinking habits and the extent of medical intervention with respect to those habits. Of the students surveyed, 87 to 90% drink and 7 to 8% can be classified as moderately heavy or heavy drinkers. The extent of medical intervention in the drinking behavior of these students was minimal. Only 15% of all students who drink said they were ever asked about their use alcohol by a physician or other health professional. Over 90% of the students who drink said that they would change their drinking habits if so advised by a physician. This expression of receptivity, considered with the impact some simple interventions have had on smoking behavior, indicates a neglected opportunity for cost-effective prevention.

Clinical and laboratory screening of Chlamydia trachomatis in women at a university health service.

Abstract: Two hundred sexually active women were screened for genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection at a university health service using an enzyme immunoassay test. Fourteen had a positive test. Of these, 8 could have been suspected clinically to have infection with Chlamydia trachomatis. A visit for a specific complaint (rather than for a routine gynecological exam), younger age, use of birth control pills, and findings suggestive of cervicitis increased the likelihood of a positive test. Routine testing for chlamydia using the enzyme immunoassay test can easily and economically be done at a university health service. Routine screening detects a significantly higher number than tests performed only on clinical suspicion.

AIDS on campus: a survey of college health service priorities and policies.

Abstract: Health service departments from 47 Philadelphia area colleges were surveyed concerning (1) their judgment of how campus AIDS programs should ideally be run, and (2) their institution's current activities related to the AIDS situation. In evaluating where to disseminate information, respondents expressed a clear preference for providing AIDS education to on-campus groups (students, faculty, staff, administration) over those less centrally related to the campus (e.g., trustees, alumni). Respondents also expressed strong approval for providing special on-campus counseling for “risk groups” but preferred to refer individuals off campus for medical testing. There were interesting discrepancies between respondents' conceptualization of an ideal AIDS program and what had actually occurred on these campuses to date. Approximately two-thirds of these institutions had received professional AIDS-related guidelines, established a campus AIDS task force, purchased and/or distributed brochures to the campus co...

Using importance-performance analysis for evaluating university health services.

Abstract: Evaluative efforts in university health services have been primarily directed toward performance outcomes. Additionally, there is a need to look at students as consumers and attempt to meet their expectations with respect to offering health services. This paper examines the applicability of the Importance-Performance (I-P) scale in evaluating health services for students. Since university health services are usually limited by such factors as budget restrictions and space limitations, information gained by I-P analysis, accompanied by other data, can help to rank order where resources should be allocated. An actual example pertaining to university health service is presented in this article wherein an I-P analysis was used.

Prevention of coronary atherosclerosis: the role of a college health service.

Abstract: Coronary artery disease is a major public health problem in the adult years. Substantial evidence supports a hypothesis that atherosclerosis begins in childhood or adolescence and that the behavioral risk factors for atherosclerosis become entrenched in adolescence or young adulthood. While there have been recommendations that preventive efforts should begin early in life, little emphasis has been placed on the role of college health services in these preventive efforts. In this paper, we review the risk factor concept and the evidence favoring preventive intervention in the adolescent years. We also present initial experience with screening and intervention at the University of Rochester Health Service. The data summarized here suggest that risk factor modification programs on the college campus deserve further consideration.

Alcohol Abuse Intervention in a University Setting

Abstract: The direct-intervention approach utilized in employee assistance programs was used to develop a structured alcohol-intervention program for students at a large university. This adaptation of the traditional employee assistance model, which largely depends on referrals from supervisors, did not prove successful in a pilot study in a 1,000-student residence hall. This was largely due to the resistance and lack of authority of those called upon to implement intervention strategies. Although the direct-intervention approach was not successful, implementation of the pilot study provided the alcohol intervention coordinator within the student health center with the opportunity to meet with large numbers of professional and administrative staff throughout the university to discuss identification of alcohol abuse, intervention, and available services. This resulted in a relatively large number of referrals for assessment from outside the pilot study. An intervention approach that focuses on the primary a...

An Overview of a University Student Assistance Program

Abstract: The Alcohol Assistance Program for Students was established at Rutgers University in 1983. This article examines the process of developing a student assistance program within a university, describes different services offered, and identifies treatment issues involved in substance-abuse counseling for the young adult population.

A smoking and health fair: implementation and evaluation.

Abstract: A two-day health fair that focused entirely on the tobacco smoking habit was organized. Participating agencies offered information on smoking effects, cessation programs, and health screening to fair visitors. A visitor questionnaire indicated that the fair was successful in attracting both smokers and nonsmokers and that each group found information that was perceived as helpful. Issues involved in coordinating the project are discussed and suggestions for future smoking and health fairs are offered.

A healthy campus--forecasting from the 1990 health objectives for the nation.

Abstract: (1987). A Healthy Campus—Forecasting from the 1990 Health Objectives for the Nation. Journal of American College Health: Vol. 35, No. 4, pp. 158-170.

Dilemmas of voluntary versus mandatory coverage for off-campus health care.

Abstract: Most colleges or universities provide on-campus health services at little or no additional cost to students who have paid required tuition and fees. However, expenses for off-campus hospitalizations, specialty consultations, or emergency services must be covered by either the student's own health insurance or school-sponsored insurance. Voluntary coverage for off-campus health care creates problems for a small proportion of students and their families who incur large medical debts for unanticipated accidents/illnesses. Students may need to drop out of school to pay off the debts, student health service (SHS) clinicians may have trouble referring such students to the community for care, and on-campus health services may be extended beyond safe limits. Mandatory coverage for off-campus health care can reduce financial risks for unanticipated accidents/illnesses for students, help stabilize enrollment for the university, reduce undue pressures on SHS providers to limit hospital/specialty referrals d...

Panic disorder in university students: a review.

Abstract: Panic disorder is characterized by recurrent, sudden, often unprovoked attacks of intense, diffuse autonomic discharge accompanied by severe anxiety as distinguished from ordinary generalized anxiety. Recent research indicates a biochemical abnormality that predisposes some individuals to the disorder, which generally begins in young adulthood and affects women twice as frequently as men. Untreated panic disorder follows a chronic, fluctuating course. Complications include hypochondriasis, anticipatory anxiety, phobic avoidance and agoraphobia, abuse of alcohol and sedative drugs, and depression. Diagnosis is complicated by patients' complaints of physical rather than emotional symptoms. Workups can be avoided if the physician considers the diagnosis in apparently healthy young adults who present with episodic cardiac, gastrointestinal, neurologic, and/or respiratory symptoms. The physician needs to be able to distinguish the symptoms of panic disorder from those of ordinary anxiety and also to r...

The risk of AIDS and the defense of disavowal: dilemmas for the college psychotherapist.

Abstract: The 1985–86 academic year was the year of the ACHA Task Force on AIDS, and it also was the first year in which the Northwestern University mental health staff conducted psychotherapy with students wherein AIDS was an issue. We might consider this a “baseline year.” In order to document the first step along what is certain to become a long road ahead, the author reviews the 21 out of 800 cases where the issue of AIDS was discussed, even minimally. Seven cases were summarized to illustrate the spectrum of AIDS concerns and therapist interventions. The review of cases revealed a tendency to split the knowledge of risk from the apprehension of the meaning and emotional significance of one's behavior. This disavowal tended to occur in therapists also. The psychological, medical, and psychiatric literature on AIDS was reviewed in order to provide a context for the case review. The author examines some of the psychotherapeutic and psychoeducational issues faced by therapists in their work with students ...

Demographic and organizational variables that affect southeastern college and university student health promotion.

Abstract: This study examined the relationship between demographic and organizational variables and college student health promotion efforts. Two hundred and forty-one college administrators from 14 southern states were surveyed to determine factors that may affect college student health promotion programming. Enrollment, tuition, affiliation, and highest degree offered were the demographic variables that were examined. The organizational variables were goals, control, motivation, interaction, and decision making. The methods of gathering information regarding student health problems, the kinds of health promotion programs offered, the methods of publicizing the programs, and the extent of student participation in health promotion programs were the dependent variables. The statistical tests for the effects of the demographic and organizational variables on student health promotion efforts indicate that a relationship does exist. Combined multiple regression analysis equations that include all of the organi...