Screening for High-Risk Alcohol Use on Campus - A Translational Research Project

High-risk alcohol use occurs on college campuses across the United States. A 2008 Core Alcohol and Drug Survey performed on the campus of Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW) in northeast Indiana, found an annual prevalence rate of alcohol consumption by students of 82.3%. A commitment to reduce high-risk alcohol use by IPFW students is supported by IPFW leadership in congruence with Healthy Campus objectives. A translational research project using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) was implemented at IPFW’s nurse-managed health and wellness clinic in order to increase student awareness of high-risk drinking behaviors, administer risk-reducing interventions, and to reduce negative consequences associated with high-risk drinking. This project met recommendations suggested by the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) of screening for alcohol use in adult populations in primary care settings