IS THERE AN INCREASE IN ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION OF COLLEGE STUDENTS WHO USE SAFE RIDE PROGRAMS Open Access

Abstract

Safe ride programs used at universities to provide alternative transportation are
offered to prevent drinking and driving accidents. However, they might also promote
increased levels of drinking. Alcohol consumption, including high levels, can lead to harmful
outcomes including: violence and criminal acts, accidents and fatalities, and risky sexual
activities. The purpose of the study was to examine if there was an increase in alcohol
consumption from students who used the programs. Data was collected from nineteen
respondents who filled out an online survey. The survey questions consisted of eligibility,
alcohol consumption history, safe ride usage, and demographics. Recruitment of respondents
included assistance by Texas A&M University staff, newspaper ads, and flyers posted around
the campus.

Out of the respondents who completed the survey (N=15), fourteen students had a
higher blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level when they used the safe ride program. Mean
BAC after time was 0.05 when they used the safe rides and 0.01 when drinking and driving.
There was also a positive correlation at 0.32 between the number of alcoholic drinks
consumed when safe rides were used and the amount of times the program was used. There
were mixed results when asked about the respondent's belief if they consumed more alcohol
when they used safe rides and if the program caused them to increase alcohol consumption.

The quantitative data calculated found that there was an increase in alcohol
consumption when safe rides were used. However, the qualitative data revealed mixed results
as to whether safe ride programs were the cause of an increase in drinking. Given the
limitations of low participation and response rate as well as the self-report nature of the data
and use of a convenience sample, these findings can't be generalized to the student
population. Further studies are recommended to gain more information and findings into
whether safe rides increase alcohol consumption and if the programs are the cause for any
increase in alcohol consumption levels.

Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Distribution Agreement ....................................................................................................... i
Approval Sheet.................................................................................................................... ii
Abstract Cover Page .......................................................................................................... iii
Abstract .............................................................................................................................. iv
Cover Page ...........................................................................................................................v
Acknowledgments.............................................................................................................. vi
Table of Contents .............................................................................................................. vii
List of Tables .......................................................................................................................x
List of Figures .................................................................................................................... xi
Chapter 1: Introduction ........................................................................................................1
Introduction & Rationale ................................................................................................1
Problem Statement ..........................................................................................................2
Theoretical Framework ...................................................................................................8
Purpose Statement .........................................................................................................10
Research Questions .......................................................................................................10
Significance Statement..................................................................................................11
Definition of Terms.......................................................................................................11
Chapter 2: Review of the Literature ...................................................................................13
Introduction ...................................................................................................................13
Review of Literature .....................................................................................................13
Population .....................................................................................................................14
Outcomes ......................................................................................................................15

Behaviors and Motives .................................................................................................16
Summary .......................................................................................................................18
Chapter 3: Methodology ....................................................................................................20
Introduction ...................................................................................................................20
Population and Sample .................................................................................................20
Research Design............................................................................................................22
Procedures .....................................................................................................................23
Instruments ....................................................................................................................24
Plans for Data Analysis .................................................................................................27
Limitations and Delimitations.......................................................................................28
Summary .......................................................................................................................28
Chapter 4: Results ..............................................................................................................30
Introduction ...................................................................................................................30
Findings.........................................................................................................................30
Other Findings ..............................................................................................................44
Summary .......................................................................................................................45
Chapter 5: Conclusions, Implications, and Recommendations .........................................46
Introduction ...................................................................................................................46
Summary of Study ........................................................................................................46
Conclusion ....................................................................................................................47
Implications...................................................................................................................49
Recommendations .........................................................................................................49
References ..........................................................................................................................51

Appendix A: .......................................................................................................................56
Appendix B: ......................................................................................................................59
Appendix C: .......................................................................................................................61
Appendix D: ......................................................................................................................76
Appendix E: .......................................................................................................................79
Appendix F: ......................................................................................................................82

About this Master's Thesis

Rights statement

• Permission granted by the author to include this thesis or dissertation in this repository. All rights reserved by the author. Please contact the author for information regarding the reproduction and use of this thesis or dissertation.

School	Rollins School of Public Health
Department	Career Masters of Public Health
Degree	MPH
Submission	Master's Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Health Sciences, Public Health
Keyword	alcohol safe ride college student
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Baldwin, Grant T., Emory University
Committee Members	Barry, Adam, Purdue University
Partnering Agencies	University, college or educational institution (other than Emory)

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