Computer self-administered screening for substance use in university student health centers

Jennifer McNeely, Sean J. Haley, Allison J. Smith, Noelle R. Leonard, Charles M. Cleland, Marcy Ferdschneider, Michele Calderoni, Luke Sleiter, Carlo Ciotoli, Angéline Adam

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Objective: To characterize the prevalence of tobacco, alcohol, and drug use and the acceptability of screening in university health centers. Participants: Five hundred and two consecutively recruited students presenting for primary care visits in February and August, 2015, in two health centers. Methods: Participants completed anonymous substance use questionnaires in the waiting area, and had the option of sharing results with their medical provider. We examined screening rates, prevalence, and predictors of sharing results. Results: Past-year use was 31.5% for tobacco, 67.1% for alcohol (>4 drinks/day), 38.6% for illicit drugs, and 9.2% for prescription drugs (nonmedical use). A minority (43.8%) shared screening results. Sharing was lowest among those with moderate-high risk use of tobacco (OR =0.37, 95% CI 0.20–0.69), alcohol (OR =0.48, 95% CI 0.25–0.90), or illicit drugs (OR =0.38, 95% CI 0.20–0.73). Conclusions: Screening can be integrated into university health services, but students with active substance use may be uncomfortable discussing it with medical providers.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)541-550
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of American College Health
Volume67
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 18 2019

Keywords

  • Alcohol
  • alcohol use disorders
  • drug use disorders
  • illicit drugs
  • screening
  • student health services
  • tobacco

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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