April Jones* and James Reid
Substance use and health behaviors among college students are critical factors influencing academic success, mental health, and long-term wellness. This pilot study investigated the impact of an educational intervention on the substance use and health behavior attitudes among 18-25-year-old students in physical education courses at Tuskegee University. Descriptive statistics were conducted to assess participants attitudes toward substance use (including alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and other drugs) after exposure to the educational intervention. Thematic content analysis was used to evaluate participant’s attitudes toward the educational intervention. Findings reveal 88% of participants indicated favorable ratings for the intervention and 90% indicated the intervention had a moderate or greater impact on helping them avoid substances. The emergent themes showed the intervention promoted participant endorsement of practicing healthy habits such as improving health and eating properly.