College Health Intervention Projects (CHIPs)

Key DFM Personnel

Michael Fleming, MD, MPH - Principal Investigator
Judie Pfeifer, M.Ed - Educational Consultant and IRB Point of Contact
Georgiana Wilton, PhD - Educational Consultant
David Brown, PhD - Co-Investigator & Statistician
Larissa Zakletskaia, MA - Database Manager
Paul Grossberg, MD - Co-Investigator & Interventionist
Marlon Mundt, MS - Data Analyst
Jennifer Wiegel - Associate Research Specialist
Stephanie Schiro - Associate Research Specialist
Michael French, PhD - Health Economist

Funding

NIH - National Institute on Alcohol and Alcoholism

Summary

CHIPs is examining the efficacy of combined brief interventions addressing a variety of student health issues, including tobacco and alcohol use, exercise, nutrition, mental health, and high risk sexual behaviors.

Goal

To test the efficacy of a primary care-based brief intervention protocol in a sample of college students. Outcomes include reductions in a) high-risk drinking; b) injuries, accidents and other health effects; c) high-risk sexual activity; d) unwanted sexual experiences; e) violence; f) contacts with dean of students office, university police and other legal agencies; and g) health care utilization events; as well as improved academic performance.

Methodology

Students completed an embedded alcohol questionnaire at a routine visit to a primary care provider. Those who screened positive for high-risk drinking were invited to participate in a health interview. Students who met eligibility criteria were randomized to a "usual care" control group or a "brief intervention group". The brief intervention by a primary care provider utilized a scripted workbook and consisted of two 15-20 minute provider visits and two 5-10 minute follow-up phone calls. All subjects are contacted at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months by telephone to assess changes in outcomes.

Data collected

13,029 Health Surveys were collected at college health clinics with 2751 students eligible and willing to continue with the study. 2090 Baseline interviews were completed (860 male, 1230 female); 986 subjects were randomized into the intervention/control phase of the study. 112 participants have completed the study and the rest of the subjects are engaged in the follow-up portion of the study.

Significance

This trial will significantly increase our understanding of how to reduce alcohol use and alcohol-related harm among college students.