Date of Award

Spring 5-10-2019

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

First Advisor

Moore, Leslie

Second Advisor

Goldsberry, Jennifer

Third Advisor

Butler, Scott

Abstract

College students have increased susceptibility towards alcohol use and high-risk behaviors which remains a concern across U.S. college campuses. A subgroup of the college student population with higher rates of alcohol consumption, binge drinking, and alcohol-related consequences including high-risk sexual behaviors is college athletes. It is of importance that college athletes are knowledgeable of responsible alcohol use, healthy sexual behaviors, and the risk of negative sexual consequences that can occur with alcohol use. The purpose of this study is to assess alcohol and STD knowledge, alcohol expectancies on sexual vulnerability and coercion, and beliefs on negative consequences of sexual and drinking behaviors before and after implementation of an evidence-based educational intervention regarding alcohol and STDs in the college athlete population. There was a significant increase in alcohol knowledge from baseline (Mdn = 20.00) to week 4 (Mdn = 23.00), z = -4.10, p = .00. There was also a significant increase in STD knowledge from baseline (M = 11.37, SD = 5.75) to week four (M = 16.46, SD = 4.63) t (40) = - 6.25, p = .00. There was an insignificant increase in the females’ scores of the Expected Risks subscale from baseline (Mdn = 198.50) to week four (Mdn = 205.50), z = -.457, p = .647. There was a significant increase in the males’ scores of the Expect Risks subscale from baseline (Mdn = 186.00) to week four (Mdn = 201.00), z = -.2.197, p = .028. There was a significant increase in alcohol expectancies on sexual coercion from baseline (Mdn = 27.00) to week four (Mdn = 28.00), z = -2.112, p = .035. There was a small but insignificant increase in alcohol expectancies on sexual vulnerability from baseline (M = 29.15, SD = 6.28) to week four (M = 29.72, SD = 6.84) t (38) = -.46, p = .650. There was a significant positive change in alcohol expectancies relating to self on sexual coercion from baseline (M = 5.67, SD = 2.81) to week four (M = 6.62, SD = 3.03) t (38) = -2.23, p = .025. There was not a significant change in alcohol expectancies relating to men on sexual coercion from baseline (Mdn = 12.00) to week four (Mdn = 12.00), z = -.664, p = .507. However, there was a significant positive change in alcohol expectancies relating to men on sexual vulnerability from baseline (Mdn = 10.00) to week four (Mdn = 12.00), z = -2.127, p = .033. There was not a significant change in alcohol expectancies relating to women on sexual coercion from baseline (Mdn = 10.00) to week four (Mdn = 11.00), z = -.841, p = .400 or relating to self on sexual vulnerability from baseline (Mdn = 8.00) to week four (Mdn = 9.00), z = -1.703, p = .089. However, there was a significant change in alcohol expectancies relating to women on sexual vulnerability from baseline (Mdn = 12.00) to week four (Mdn = 12.00), z = -2.119, p = .034. This current study showed that an alcohol and STD educational intervention is beneficial for both female and male college athletes. It is important that future research focuses on factors that play a role in alcohol and STD knowledge. Any education that can increase knowledge or affect beliefs regarding negative consequences or alcohol expectancies can make a positive difference in a college student’s life. Considering the high-risk status and demands of college athletes, alcohol and STD education should be a priority so that they are knowledgeable on healthy sexual behaviors, alcohol consumption, and the risk of negative sexual consequences that can occur with alcohol use to decrease negative outcomes.

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