The Impact of Protective Behavioral Strategy Use Frequency on Blood Alcohol Concentrations Among Student Drinkers Nationwide

Abstract

Purpose: This study assessed whether college student (1) protective behavioral strategy (PBS) use differed between those who reached legal intoxication during their most recent drinking episode compared to those who did not reach the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) threshold, and (2) frequency of PBS use could explain the variance associated with BAC during the most recent drinking episode, above and beyond one’s sex, age, and involvement in the Greek system. Design: Secondary data analysis of the American College of Health Association’s National College Health Assessment. Setting: Forty-four distinct campuses were included. Participants: A total of 21479 college students were included. Measures: BAC and PBS were measured. Analysis: The data were analyzed by conducting both independent samples t-tests and a multiple regression model. Effect sizes are reported. Results: Participants who reached legal intoxication used PBS less frequently ( P < .001; d = 0.80). Frequency of PBS use had the strongest unique contribution to the regression model (β = −.315, P < .001), such that participants with higher BAC reported less frequent use of PBS. Conclusion: Interventions should seek to develop strategies that encourage college student use of PBS prior to, and during, drinking episodes. More frequent use of PBS can reduce intoxication as well as occurrence of alcohol-associated consequences.