Health behavior and college students: does Greek affiliation matter?
The college years offer an opportunity for new experiences, personal freedom, and identity development; however, this period is also noted for the emergence of risky health behaviors that place college students at risk for health problems. Affiliation with on-campus organizations such as fraternities or sororities may increase a students' risk given the rituals and socially endorsed behaviors associated with Greek organizations. In this study, we examined alcohol and drug use, smoking, sexual behavior, eating, physical activity, and sleeping in 1,595 college students (n = 265 Greek members, n = 1,330 non-Greek members). Results show Greek members engaged in more risky health behaviors (e.g., alcohol use, cigarette smoking, sexual partners, and sex under the influence of alcohol or drugs) than non-Greek members. Greek and non-Greek members did not differ in condom use, unprotected sex, eating, and physical activity behaviors. Implications for prevention and intervention strategies among Greek members are discussed.
Scott-Sheldon
Lori A J
LA
Center for Health and Behavior, Syracuse University, 430 Huntington Hall, Syracuse, NY 13244-2340, USA. lajss@syr.edu
Carey
Kate B
KB
Carey
Michael P
MP
D000428:Alcohol Drinking; D002110:Caffeine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D017280:Condoms; D015444:Exercise; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012737:Sex Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012890:Sleep; D012907:Smoking; D012919:Social Behavior; D012933:Social Identification; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014495:Universities; D055815:Young Adult
D002110:Caffeine