College drinking has been the focus of numerous studies and public scrutiny in recent years (Associated Press, 2004; Core Institute, 2003; Harvard School of Public Health, 2002; O'Hare, 1997). Alcohol abuse is associated with psychological problems (like depression, suicide, and anxiety), interpersonal issues (such as fights and unplanned sex), and social problems (like drunk driving) (O'Hare, 1997). The purpose of this study was to examine differences in scores on the College Alcohol Problem Scale (CAPS) among class ranks and gather information about alcohol prevention efforts for deaf college students. Two hundred and seventy three deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing college students were non-randomly selected for the study. A research team comprised of 13 graduate students in a data analysis class collected data. Participants were given a 21-item questionnaire. The questionnaire included eight items for the College Alcohol Problem Scale (CAPS), six items related to alcohol prevention, and seven demographic items. Cronbach alpha for the CAPS was .77. A principal components analysis (PCA) was conducted because the questionnaire was given to students for whom American Sign Language was their primary language. The PCA yielded a two-component instrument, which is consistent with other studies of hearing college students. Analysis of variance results indicated a significant difference in scores among college seniors and graduate students, with college seniors reporting more alcohol-associated problems. Comparisons of other ranks on the CAPS scores were non-significant. In addition, students prioritized deaf subgroups in need of prevention efforts, ranking the highest group in need as deaf children ages 13 to 18 followed by deaf children under the age of 12. The majority of students ranked prevention efforts and indicated a preference for education geared primarily towards DVDs and videotapes, followed by workshops, classroom instruction, group counseling, posters, and finally, pamphlets. The results of this study suggest a need for early education about alcohol prevention. Prevention efforts may be more effective for the deaf and hard of hearing population if they are provided in a visual format and in sign language.

References:

Associated Press. (2004). Mass. Student dies after fall from balcony. Retrieved 12/30/2004, online: www.newsday.com

Core Institute. (2003). Alcohol and other drug use on American campuses. Retrieved 12/30/2004, online: www.siu.edu/departments/coreinst/public_html/2003.htm

Harvard School of Public Health. (2002). More than one in three college students can be diagnosed with alcohol disorders. Retrieved 12/30/2004, online: www.hsph.harvard.edu/cas/Documents/dependence_0602-pressRelease/

O'Hare, T. (1997). Measuring problem drinking in first time offenders. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 14(4), 383-387.