The Relationship Between Protective Behavioral Strategies and Negative Alcohol-Related Consequences

Abstract

Excessive alcohol consumption is salient among the college population and many students are at risk of experiencing negative alcohol-related consequences. In an effort to reduce negative consequences, the use of protective behavioral strategies (PBS) emerged as a potential tool to aid students in safer and more responsible drinking practices. However, there was concern that not all PBS may be effective. The purpose of this study was to describe the relationship, if any, between protective behavioral strategy use and the experience of negative alcohol-related consequences as a result of alcohol consumption at a Midwestern university as measured by the American College Health Associations’ National College Health Assessment – II and IIb. The participants in sample year 2011 were 632 (n = 224 male, n = 389 female), in 2013 were 674 (n = 255 male, n = 380 female), and in 2015 were 288 (n = 107 male, n = 180 female) undergraduate students, ages 18 to 23, enrolled at a large Midwestern university. Descriptive statistics were used to describe PBS use and the experience of negative alcohol-related consequences. Results indicated that the most commonly used PBS were “eat before/during drinking”, “use a designated driver”, and “stay with the same group of friends”. The top negative consequences experienced by participants were “did something you later regretted”, “forgot where you were/what you did”, “had unprotected sex”, and “physically injured yourself’. A series of independent sample t-tests were conducted to determine gender differences in PBS use. Results indicated that females use more PBS than males. Logistic regression analyses were run to determine the relationship between PBS and negative consequences, as well as to determine the relationship between gender and negative consequences. Results indicated that less frequent use of PBS is associated with a greater likelihood of experiencing negative consequences, and being male increased the odds of experiencing negative alcohol-related consequences. PBS subscales stopping/limiting drinking (SLD), manner of drinking (MOD), and serious harm reduction (SHR) were related to negative consequences; however, the most solid relationship was with MOD strategies. Findings resulted in the conclusion that MOD strategies are more effective in reducing alcohol consumption and negative consequences than SLD and SHR strategies. Even though not all PBS are equally effective, all PBS may be beneficial. Health educators should continue to promote and educate college students on PBS use. Based on the findings, PBS is a promising tool that college students can use to protect themselves against the experience of negative alcohol-related consequences.