Influencing the Binge-Drinking Culture on a College Campus.

BACKGROUND: The college years are a time of transition in which students experiment with behaviors including use of alcohol. Nursing students can be instrumental in supporting positive health behaviors and influencing the drinking culture.

PURPOSE: This article describes the findings of a collaborative nursing student-faculty research project about alcohol use with a focus on binge drinking.

METHODS: Using a nursing student-faculty collaborative model, a longitudinal design was used to evaluate a mass media campaign with social norming messages and education to influence the drinking culture on a college campus.

RESULTS: Students in Greek life and athletics engaged in binge drinking significantly more than other students. Students observed the mass media messages, with 81.9% viewing posters. A significant decrease in binge drinking was reported.

CONCLUSIONS: The nursing student-faculty team implemented a mass media campaign, which was effective at influencing the drinking culture on a college campus.