Staying safe while consuming alcohol: a qualitative study of the protective strategies and informational needs of college freshmen.
OBJECTIVE
In this qualitative study, the authors examined how students attempt to minimize harm to themselves and others when drinking.


METHODS
The authors recruited freshmen at a large, mid-Atlantic US public university during the fall semester of 2005 to participate in 8 focus groups.


METHODS
The moderator's guide was developed through an iterative process that included input from experts and pilot testing. The researchers audiotaped focus group conversations, transcribed them, and subjected them to an interrater reliability check. Analysis was based on the framework of Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills Model and a phenomenological approach.


RESULTS
College students have a repertoire of coping strategies they use in an attempt to safeguard themselves and their friends from harm when drinking. Strategies encompass planning a safe context for drinking, using safety measures to minimize harm when drinking, and taking care of someone who has consumed too much alcohol.


CONCLUSIONS
A harm-reduction focus that acknowledges and builds on existing protective strategies may be a promising avenue for alcohol interventions.
Howard
Donna Elise
DE
University of Maryland, Department of Public and Community Health, College Park, MD 20742, USA. dhoward1@umd.edu
Griffin
Melinda
M
Boekeloo
Bradley
B
Lake
Kristin
K
Bellows
Denise
D
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D040261:Harm Reduction; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012449:Safety; D012931:Social Environment; D013333:Student Health Services; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D013695:Temperance; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014495:Universities