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Media contact: Gary Kruchowski, (218) 733-7649, g.kruchowski@lsc.edu or Janet Blixt, (218) 723-4743 or j.blixt@lsc.edu
Nov. 16, 2006
NEWS RELEASE
Lake Superior College Participates in Survey of Student Use of Alcohol, Tobacco and Drugs
(Duluth, Minn.) -- Lake Superior College is one of 12 Minnesota colleges and universities that participated in a survey of the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs among students, in an effort to improve academic success and student health.
"We know that these behaviors can make it difficult for students to succeed in college and can also result in long-term heath issues," said Kathleen Nelson, LSC's president. "This study will provide useful information on the extent of student use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs and help us create effective strategies to influence student use in the future."
According to the survey, the high-risk drinking rate (consuming five or more drinks at one sitting within the past two weeks) was 45 percent among students 18 to 24 and 35.7 percent among students over the age of 24. Daily use of tobacco was 14.6 percent among younger students and 21.9 percent among the older group.
The research was conducted in February of 2006. Surveys were sent to 1,310 fulltime students at LSC and 541 (41.5 percent) responded. Responses from students age 18 through 60 are included in the LSC data.
The survey shows use of alcohol, tobacco and drugs often varies by age, gender, cultural influences of a community or region and other demographic factors. For example, rates of high-risk drinking are higher for younger college students and males of all ages. Use of tobacco, however, is higher among older students. Many students, particularly older students, formed habits around the use of tobacco, alcohol and drugs before they entered college.
As Edward Ehlinger, a University of Minnesota health official who directed the multi-college study, stated: "Alcohol use and high-risk drinking does not just happen in isolation on certain college or university campuses, it happens in higher education institutions throughout the state and country."
"Lake Superior College has taken steps to educate students about making healthful choices," Nelson explained. "This is the first year that we have participated in this survey. The information gathered will help us direct our efforts and benchmark progress."
"We would like to call on communities in our area to help us address these difficult issues," Nelson added. "Clearly, abuse of alcohol, particularly among underage students, poses serious risks. We all stand to gain by improving the health and well-being of Minnesota's students."
According to college officials, programs and activities addressing alcohol, tobacco and drug use include participation in national and local health promotions and events such as the Great American Smokeout, Quit & Win program, National Alcohol Screening day and numerous classroom health presentations.
A total of 7,638 undergraduate students from 12 Minnesota colleges and universities participated in the study. Other institutions are St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud Technical College, Winona State University, Alexandria Technical College, Anoka Technical College, Hennepin Technical College, Normandale Community College, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Augsburg College, Hamline University and St. Mary's University of Minnesota.
Funded by the Hennepin Medical Society and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, the survey is designed to help measure knowledge, attitudes and behaviors among college-age students. It also examines students' perceptions about the use of tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs by their peers, and assesses student awareness of alcohol and other drug education efforts on campus. The study is available online at: http://www.bhs.umn.edu/healthdata/summit/
LSC is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. With more than 3,800 students enrolled this fall semester, LSC is Northeastern Minnesota's largest two-year college. LSC provides a wide range of programs and services, including liberal arts and science courses for transfer, technical programs intended to provide occupational skills, continuing education, and customized training for business and industry. LSC is also the leader in Internet-delivered courses and programs in Minnesota.
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