Graduate Research Papers

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Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the perceptions and behaviors of alcohol and other drug consumption by University of Northern Iowa student athletes and non-athletes. Respondents provided demographic information, and reported their alcohol and drug-related behaviors and perceptions. Results of this study are based on 932 questionnaires returned from the 2000 randomly selected sample of non-athletes and 289 questionnaires voluntarily completed and returned by U.N.I. athletes at an athletic teams meeting.

From the data tabulated it appears that the differences in perceptions and alcohol-related behaviors among University of Northern Iowa athletes and non-athletes are minimal. Both athletes and non-athletes responded similarly to the behavior and perception questions.

An apparent difference was indicated between the behaviors of males as compared to the behaviors of females. Males appeared to report a greater degree of heavy alcohol consumption, smokeless tobacco use, missed class or work because of a hangover, property damage, alcohol-related arrests, and intercourse after drinking alcohol that was would not have occurred without alcohol.

A difference between the students' perceptions of alcohol and drug-related behaviors and the actual behaviors was evident. With exception to alcohol consumption during the last 30 days, the difference between perceptions of alcohol and other drug use behaviors and the actual behaviors were greater than 10%, and in some cases estimated use was twenty times greater, indicating the existance of many misperceptions.

Results of this study clearly illustate that students have misperceptions about behaviors which involve the use of alcohol and other drugs at the University of Northern Iowa. Changes in perceptions are necessary and a health component at the college level may be an appropriate avenue for this change. Replication of this study among other institutions is recommended along with further study of the perceptions and behaviors of alcohol and other drug use by university level students, a study of parents' perceptions of alcohol use by university level students, a study of prospective first year college students perceptions of alcohol and drug use by university level students, as well as finding ways to inform both parents and students of the actual alcohol and drug use on campuses.

Year of Submission

1991

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Division of Health Promotion and Education

First Advisor

Thomas Davis

Comments

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Date Original

1991

Object Description

1 PDF file (93 pages)

Language

en

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