Evaluating Non-response Bias in a Parent-Based College Alcohol Intervention

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Psychology
• Family Studies

Background:

• Non-response bias is understudied in parent-based interventions (PBIs).
• Understanding factors influencing parent participation is crucial for intervention effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate parenting constructs associated with parent participation in a no-incentive college drinking PBI.
• Identify predictors of volunteerism in PBIs to address non-response bias.

Main Methods:

• Surveyed 386 first-year students on drinking, parental communication, and alcohol rules.
• Invited all parents of first-year students to a PBI resource guide.
• Compared participants and non-participants based on student-reported data.

Main Results:

• Parents in the PBI used more harm-reduction communication and were more likely to have permitted alcohol use.
• Student-reported paternal leniency regarding drinking post-high school was associated with PBI sign-up.
• No significant differences were found in student drinking or zero-tolerance communication.

Conclusions:

• Non-response bias is a concern in real-world, non-randomized controlled trial (RCT) recruitment for PBIs.
• Current recruitment strategies may limit parent diversity in PBIs.
• More comprehensive recruitment approaches are needed to enhance participation and representation.