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  • Depression and anxiety are increasingly prevalent on college campuses; however, few studies have explored these disorders among graduate students. Purpose of this study was to examine prevalence, correlates and predictors of depression and anxiety among graduate students. This cross-sectional study used secondary data (N=4477) collected as part of the Healthy Minds Study. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) was used as the screening instrument. Multiple logistic regression examined the effect of demographic and social variables on the outcome of screening positive. Results showed 14.0% screened positive for depression, 9.5% for anxiety, 19.1% for either, and 4.4% for both. Depression correlates included: race/ethnicity, nationality, living situation, relationship status and finances growing up. Anxiety correlates included: sex, nationality, sexual orientation, and current finances. Validated predictors for depression were relationship status and finances growing up. Validated predictor for anxiety was identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer (LGBTQ), while being male and international status were protective. These findings suggest depression and anxiety are as prevalent among graduates as undergraduates and provide insight into the social and demographic influences of screening positive. Health educators can use these findings to inform policy and programming for graduate students that will provide an appropriate combination of services.

  • Background: Few studies have explored changing patterns of alcohol consumption among young females and differences based on race/ethnicity. Objective: This study examined differences in alcohol consumption between black and white undergraduate females and compared trends in three different measures of alcohol consumption over a 10-year period from 2004 to 2014. Methods: The CORE Alcohol and Drug Survey was used to collect data from female undergraduates attending a public university in the northeastern USA. Classes were randomly selected into the sample; class acceptance was 68% and student participation was 96%. The chi-square test examined differences between groups and the Cochrane Armitage Test for Trend assessed changes over time. Results: In 2014, for every measure of alcohol consumption examined, a significantly larger percentage of white females engaged in the behavior compared to black females. Trend analysis from 2004 to 2014 demonstrated a narrowing of this gap. Controlling for age, any alcohol use in past 30 days and binge drinking in the past 2 weeks increased significantly for black females 21 years or older. Any alcohol use in the past 30 days decreased significantly for white females under 21 years. Conclusion: These findings introduce many questions which should be explored through additional research.

  • Community-based participatory research (CBPR) is a collaborative methodology that uniquely involves stakeholders in all stages of the research process. CBPR has been widely utilized in the field of public health, but not widely employed with college populations. This study utilized CBPR methods within a college community to gain insight into excessive alcohol consumption. Six student researchers planned and carried out a rigorous qualitative study at a public university in the Northeast region of the United States. A total of 48 undergraduate participants were recruited for focus groups that were facilitated by two student researchers, and transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis methods. Students' reasons for drinking alcohol were focused within the themes of inclusion, habitual default, and the student development process. Social media, strict policy/enforcement, and student's desire to avoid responsibility led to increased risk and consequences related to drinking. Students recommended late night transportation and a Good Samaritan policy as strategies to improve student safety. This study led to student advocacy and policy change directed at improving student's health and safety and demonstrated that CBPR methods show promise for engaging students and producing meaningful data.

Last update from database: 3/13/26, 4:15 PM (UTC)

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