Eating Disorder Symptoms Among College Students: Prevalence,Persistence, Correlates,and Treatment-Seeking

Abstract

Objective: To examine the prevalence, correlates, persistence, and treatment-seeking related to symptoms of eating disorders (EDs) in a random sample of college students. Participants: A random sample of students at a large university were recruited for an Internet survey in Fall 2005 and a follow-up survey in Fall 2007. Methods: ED symptoms were measured using the SCOFF screen and adjusted for nonresponse using administrative data and a nonresponse survey. Results: 2,822 (56%) students completed the baseline survey. Among undergraduates the prevalence of positive screens was 13.5% for women and 3.6% for men. Among students with positive screens, 20% had received past-year mental health treatment. In the follow-up sample (N = 753), ED symptoms at baseline significantly predicted symptoms 2 years later. Conclusions: Symptoms of EDs were prevalent and persistent among college students in this study. These findings suggest that brief screens can identify a large number of students with untreated EDs.     

Peer Educators Reach College Students with Nutrition Information

Abstract

Leighton C. Whitaker and Jeffrey W. Pollard, eds. Campus Violence: Kinds, Causes, and Cures. New York: Haworth Press, 1993. 313 pps, $39.95.     

Connotative Meanings Assigned to Contraceptive Options

Abstract

The authors surveyed a stratified sample of 880 colleges and universities in the United States to assess the status and characteristics of their prematriculation immunization requirements (PIRs). On the basis of a 90% return (796 responses), they estimated that 55% of US colleges and universities had implemented a PIR at the time of the survey. Among schools with PIRs, measles vaccine was almost universally required, with 74% requiring two doses, mumps vaccine was required by 70%, and rubella vaccine by 92%. Hepatitis B vaccine was rarely required and was usually recommended only for students in health-profession programs. The strongest determinant of having a PIR was the presence of a state law or regents' policy. PIRs implemented under the aegis of a state law were, on average, less comprehensive but better enforced. Other factors associated with the implementation of a PIR included membership in the American College Health Association (ACHA), the presence of a student health clinic, and availability of record-keeping personnel.     

Gender Differences in the Associations Among Body Mass Index,Weight Loss,Exercise, and Drinking Among College Students

Abstract

Objective: To explore gender differences regarding weight management behaviors of college drinkers. Participants: Nationally representative sample of college students from the fall 2008 American College Health Association's National College Health Assessment II (N = 26,062 students). Methods: Structural equation modeling was used to examine potential gender differences in associations among exercise, weight loss behaviors, and alcohol use. Results: Critical ratio tests revealed that associations between exercise and weight loss behaviors were more strongly correlated among females as compared with males. For females, there was a small negative association between exercise and drinking behaviors; in contrast, for males, there was a positive relationship between exercise and alcohol use. Weight loss behaviors were positively associated with drinking for both female and male students; however, the association was significantly stronger for females. Conclusions: This investigation furthers previous research on drunkorexia and also sheds additional light on the gender-based differences in weight management behaviors of drinkers.     

Alcohol-Related Vehicular Death Rates for College Students in the Commonwealth of Virginia

Abstract

Objective: Determine rate of college student alcohol-related vehicular traffic fatalities in Virginia during 2007. Participants: Undergraduates at colleges and universities in Virginia. Methods: Institutions with membership in the American College Health Association were invited to participate in a survey. Data collected from institutional reports of student deaths due to vehicular accidents. Results: Twenty-four institutions were invited to participate. Sixteen responded (response rate = 67%), comprising total enrollment of 117,100 for 17- to 24-year-olds (56% of total college population in state). Five traffic deaths were reported, representing 4.3 deaths per 100,000 students. Based on statewide statistics that estimate alcohol contributes to 38.9% of traffic deaths, rate of alcohol-related motor vehicle deaths is 1.7 deaths per 100,000 college students in Virginia, which is 89% lower than leading national estimates. Conclusions: These findings suggest that past estimates of alcohol-related vehicular deaths among college students are overstated.     

College Smoking Policies and Smoking Cessation Programs: Results of a Survey of College Health Center Directors

Abstract

College students' cigarette smoking rose dramatically during the 1990s. Little is known about what colleges do to address the problem. Health center directors at 393 4-year US colleges provided information (response rate: 65.1%) about college policies addressing smoking and the availability of smoking cessation programs. Of the health center directors surveyed, 85% considered students' smoking a problem; yet only 81% of colleges prohibit smoking in all public areas and only 27% ban smoking in all indoor areas, including students' rooms in dormitories and in private offices. More than 40% of the respondents reported that their schools did not offer smoking cessation programs and that the demand for existing program was low. Colleges need to do more to discourage student tobacco use. Recommended actions include campus-wide no-smoking policies that apply to student residences and identification of new ways of providing smoking prevention and cessation services.     

East African Mothers with HIV: Testing,Talking, and Transmission to Children

ABSTRACT

Experiences of African mothers with HIV can inform the development of services to prevent HIV transmission to children. A small qualitative study was conducted in Tanzania with six openly HIV-positive women. They suggest that counseling and HIV testing additionally benefit the mother beyond reducing HIV transmission to her child. They recommend that testing of couples would allow them to make plans and informed choices together concerning sexual behavior, childbearing, and prevention of HIV transmission to children.