Defining and characterizing differences in college alcohol intervention efficacy: A growth mixture modeling...

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Public Health
• Substance Abuse Research

Background:

• College alcohol misuse is a significant public health concern.
• Individual-level interventions are effective in reducing alcohol-related harms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify distinct subpopulations of college drinkers using growth mixture modeling (GMM).
• To analyze intervention efficacy across these subpopulations over a 12-month period.

Main Methods:

• Combined data from 3 randomized controlled trials (N=1,040).
• Utilized piecewise GMM to analyze heavy drinking behaviors.
• Assessed participants at baseline, 6, and 12 months post-intervention.

Main Results:

• Identified 6 drinker subpopulations; 76% were lighter drinkers with initial response but eventual return to baseline.
• 82% initially responded to interventions, but 84% showed intervention decay within 12 months.
• Factors like female gender, upperclassmen status, later drinking onset, and lower perceived norms predicted better initial response.

Conclusions:

• Individual interventions effectively change behavior in most college students, but long-term maintenance is a challenge.
• Intervention strategies may need enhancement to sustain effects beyond 12 months.
• Future interventions should consider engaging specific groups like freshmen men and those participating in drinking games.