Exploring Educational Messages About Sexual Choking: Results of a Feasibility, Acceptability, and Efficacy Study Among College Students

Abstract Introduction Sexual choking has become prevalent among young adults, including college students, and poses significant health risks; yet, no evidence-based interventions address it. Using data from a campus-representative survey of college students, we examined participants’ age at first learning about choking and their views about teaching youth about choking and its risks. We also randomized students to one of three groups and tested the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of educational messages related to choking. Method This study uses data from a campus-representative confidential online survey of 973 undergraduate students in Fall 2021. Results On average, students had first learned about sexual choking at 15.3 years old. Also, 61.1% felt that youth should first be taught about choking and its health risks during high school, with an additional 22.1% indicating middle school. Our educational messages had high feasibility and acceptability ratings and showed strong evidence of preliminary efficacy among students who had previously choked or been choked during sexual activities. Conclusions Most students had first learned about choking as adolescents, highlighting the need for fact-based sexuality education. We found broad student support for learning about choking and its risks from college health professionals, including faculty who teach sexuality- and health-related courses. Our educational messages can be expanded to support student health and safety. Policy Implications Findings have implications for the development of educational programming to address sexual choking. Public health agencies also have an important role in education.