Influencing the Binge-Drinking Culture on a College Campus

Background The college years are a time of transition in which students experiment with behaviors including use of alcohol. Nursing students can be instrumental in supporting positive health behaviors and influencing the drinking culture. Purpose This article describes the findings of a collaborative nursing student-faculty research project about alcohol use with a focus on binge drinking. Methods Using a nursing student-faculty collaborative model, a longitudinal design was used to evaluate a mass media campaign with social norming messages and education to influence the drinking culture on a college campus. Results Students in Greek life and athletics engaged in binge drinking significantly more than other students. Students observed the mass media messages, with 81.9% viewing posters. A significant decrease in binge drinking was reported. Conclusions The nursing student-faculty team implemented a mass media campaign, which was effective at influencing the drinking culture on a college campus