THE BENEFITS OF CAMPUS PREVENTION PROGRAMS: IMPACTING STUDENT AWARENESS AND WELLNESS PERCEPTIONS

This study examines college students’ perceptions, behaviors, and experiences regarding substance use and prevention efforts through a non-experimental, cross-sectional research design. Data were collected via surveys administered at two university-hosted prevention events designed to engage students in harm reduction strategies and wellness initiatives. Participants were recruited through university-wide emails and provided anonymous survey responses via QR codes. The survey included measures that captured perceptions of prevention programs, peer substance use norms, and engagement with wellness activities. The university’s prevention campaign, informed by the Strategic Prevention Framework and Dimensions of Wellness model, incorporated social norming messages, interactive wellness activities, and peer-led prevention efforts. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and comparative analyses, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis to identify key trends in student experiences. Findings from this study provide insights into students’ awareness, attitudes, and participation in prevention initiatives, with implications for enhancing campuswide substance use prevention programs.