College students are one of the highest-risk groups when it comes to substance misuse and experiencing the negative consequences associated with substance misuse. Not only are they in college facing this problem, but it has been reported that the transition from high school to college is associated with a significant increase of alcohol use. Current alcohol intervention for college students focuses on a brief motivational intervention framework. The study assessed the initial response to the online Personalized Feedback Program (PFP). A program for college students that “targeted genetically influenced externalizing and internalizing risk pathways and provides personalized recommendations and campus resources.”
Participants were recruited from Psych SONA and Spilt for Science; research registries that are open to all incoming first-year students. This study consisted of 286 individuals who were 18 years of age or older and enrolled full-time in a university. Participants’ demographic information and campus resource uses were collected via a baseline survey. Intentions of drinking and using drugs were also assessed. Students were then directed to the PFP link and, after completion, answered various survey questions to gather the students’ thoughts on PFP and their future intentions regarding campus resources related to alcohol and drug use.
The goal of this trial was to assess the acceptability of the PFP and to test to see if students’ intention to use resources increased after completing the PFP. Students overall were highly satisfied with the PFP. Satisfaction with the PFP was measured by asking ten questions, and most participants agreed or strongly agreed with statements that assessed satisfaction with the program. Students at baseline reported using, on average, one resource in the past 30 days, but after completing the PFP, students reported intending to use an average of 2.29 resources. The result indicated that the PFP could be beneficial in enhancing college substance use prevention programs.
Takeaways: Students reported very high satisfaction with the PFP and an increase in intention of using campus alcohol and drug use resources. The result indicated that the PFP could be a beneficial in enhancing college substance use prevention programs.