title: Religiosity in the non-medical use of prescription medication in college students.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The non-medical use of prescription drugs (NMUPD) is a hazardous health behavior popular among young adults and college students. Past research has documented prevalence rates and risk factors associated with NMUPD, while little research has addressed protective factors.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The present study examined the associations of religiosity and NMUPD in a sample of college students.
  
  
  METHODS
  Young adult (ages 18-25) college students (n = 767) completed an anonymous online survey assessing demographic variables, NMUPD, personality factors, perceptions of risk, mental health, and religiosity.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Results showed that greater religiosity scores were consistently associated with lower odds of engaging in NMUPD in the past 3 months. These associations were partially mediated by the personality characteristics of conscientiousness and openness to experience as well as perceived risk of NMUPD. The effect of religiosity on NMUPD was moderated by Greek (i.e., fraternity or sorority) membership, such that those in a Greek organization showed no relation between religiosity and NMUPD, while religiosity served as a protective factor for NMUPD among those who did not have Greek membership.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results extend past research demonstrating that religiosity is protective against substance abuse/misuse. Greek status appears to negate the protective influence of religiosity on NMUPD.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond, VA , USA.
authors.forename: Daniel J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Snipes
authors.forename: Amy J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Jeffers
authors.forename: Eric G
authors.initials: EG
authors.lastname: Benotsch
authors.forename: Jessica
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: McCauley
authors.forename: Dana
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bannerman
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Granger
authors.forename: Aaron M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Martin
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D016739:Behavior, Addictive; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D063487:Prescription Drug Misuse / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011594:Psychometrics; D012067:Religion; D012307:Risk Factors; D012309:Risk-Taking; D013334:Students; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014495:Universities; D014768:Virginia / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Prescription drug misuse; religiosity; young adults