Chapter 11 Case Study - Can the Binge Drinking Problem

Discussion, Nurse

CHAPTER 11 CASE STUDY

Can the Binge Drinking Problem on Campuses Be Solved Through the Multi-Theory Model (MTM) of Health Behavior Change? Binge drinking is defined as drinking four or more drinks in one sitting by women and five or more drinks by men. It is a common problem on university campuses, with students reporting the prevalence of binge drinking over the past month to be as high as 40% to 60%. Thus, theoretical (evidence-based) approaches are needed to reduce binge drinking on campuses. Sharma and colleagues (2018) tested the multi-theory model (MTM) of health behavior change in a case study to assess its predictive potential for responsible drinking or abstinence among students who binge drink. The study used a cross-sectional design. The researchers developed a 39-item questionnaire based on demographic infor- mation, six constructs of MTM (participatory dialogue, behavioral confidence, changes in the physical environment, emotional transformation, practice for change, and changes in the social environment), and intention to initiate and sustain responsible drinking or abstinence. A panel of six experts validated the instrument for face and content. Construct validity of the MTM con- structs was established through confirmatory factor analysis, and internal consistency reliability was established with all subscales having Cronbach’s alpha greater than 0.70. Regression modeling revealed that behavioral confidence and changes in the physi- cal environment constructs of MTM were statistically significantly associated with intended initiation for drinking responsibly/ abstinence behavior change and added 20% predictability to the model. Likewise, the constructs of emotional transforma- tion, changes in the social environment, and practice for change added 20% predictability to the intended sustenance for drink- ing responsibly/abstinence behavior change. The researchers concluded that the MTM was a robust model that could be used to design responsible drinking/abstinence programs on college campuses. Sharma, M., Anyimukwu, C., Kim, R. W., Nahar, V. K., & Ford, M. A. (2018). Predictors of responsible drinking among college students who binge drink: A multi-theory model (MTM) approach. The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, 118(8), 519–530.

Questions for Discussion

1. Do you agree with the researchers’ conclusion? Why or why not?

2. Can the binge drinking problem on campuses be solved using the multi-theory model (MTM) of health behavior change?