Personalized Integrated Alcohol and Sexual Assault Prevention among College Students

NIH RePORTER · NIH · R01 · $657,901 · view on reporter.nih.gov ↗

Abstract

PROJECT ABSTRACT The overarching goal of this R01 is to test the efficacy of a behavioral intervention for heavy episodic drinking (HED) and sexual assault among college students. Sexual and gender minority (SGM) students experience sexual assault and engage in HED at even higher rates than their cisgender, heterosexual peers. Therefore, tailored and personalized interventions are needed for HED and sexual assault to address the unique needs of college students based on gender identity and sexual orientation. The Alcohol and Sexual Assault Prevention (ASAP) program was developed by the research team with an NIAAA-funded planning grant (R34) and is the only intervention that targets both HED and sexual assault (victimization risk reduction, perpetration prevention, and bystander intervention training) in an integrated manner. ASAP provides tailored content on alcohol use and sexual assault based on gender identity and sexual orientation using a social norms and personalized feedback approach. Usability testing and findings from a randomized controlled pilot feasibility trial suggest usability, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy and warrant rigorous randomized controlled trial testing. ASAP is delivered in a brief, web-based format, and although short-term outcomes are promising, more effort is needed to ensure long-term efficacy. Therefore, the current study includes an assessment of ASAP as well as an innovative assessment of a 6-month booster (ASAP+Booster) session to determine the most effective way to disseminate ASAP to colleges nationwide if found to be effective. The current study includes the following aims: 1a) to test the efficacy of ASAP and ASAP+Booster among college students in reducing HED and sexual assault both short- and long-term among three risk groups (1. cisgender heterosexual men; 2. cisgender heterosexual women; 3. SGM); 1b) Test the relative efficacy of a booster session on long-term alcohol use and SA outcomes; and 2) Investigate the mechanisms through which ASAP conditions impact alcohol use and SA. Outcomes will be assessed at 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-months post- intervention. By accomplishing these aims, we will assess the efficacy of ASAP, a promising intervention developed by the research team. ASAP has the potential to reduce alcohol use among young adults as well as reduce college SA and includes a focus on SGM populations, addressing NIAAA and public health priorities.

Key facts

NIH application ID
10629342
Project number
5R01AA028813-03
Recipient
GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY
Principal Investigator
Amanda Katherine Gilmore
Activity code
R01
Funding institute
NIH
Fiscal year
2023
Award amount
$657,901
Award type
5
Project period
2021-09-25 → 2026-05-31