College Students’ Perceptions of a Safe Spring Break Event

Abstract

The most recent National College Health Assessment (2007) revealed that college students are engaging in risky health behaviors that are putting them at risk for death, disease, and injury. Studies suggest that certain college student risk behaviors, such as consuming alcohol, increases around certain times of the year and at certain events. Event specific prevention (ESP) programs have been introduced to many college campuses in order to address these risky behaviors. ESP is a strategy designed to reduce risk behaviors around certain events or during times of the year when risk behaviors increase. The purpose of this study was to determine college students’ perceptions of the effectiveness of a Safe Spring Break ESP program. A cross sectional survey, conducted with 223 students from a large Southeastern university, revealed that 89.9% learned something new at the event and 84.5% reported the information would be helpful while on spring break. Also, many students felt the event was effective or extremely effective at increasing their knowledge regarding specific health behaviors surrounding spring break. This study encourages universities to invest in implementing ESP programs. Recommendations for student wellness, student counseling, and student services regarding ESP programs are included.