Graduation Year

2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

M.S.P.H.

Degree Name

MS in Public Health (M.S.P.H.)

Degree Granting Department

Public Health

Major Professor

Dinorah Martinez Tyson, Ph.D., M.P.H., M.A.

Committee Member

Bruce Levin, Dr.P.H., M.P.H.

Committee Member

Khary Rigg, Ph.D., M.Ed.

Keywords

campus wide health education, decision making, student health education programming, study drugs, substance use education

Abstract

Nonmedical use of prescription stimulants (NMUPS) for the purpose of improving academic performance is a growing concern among the college population. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in 2020, rates of NMUPS were highest among 18–25-year-olds attending college. There are several adverse health outcomes associated with NMUPS, including cardiovascular damage, seizures, psychosis, and dependence. Given the rising rates of NMUPS in this group, and the negative health outcomes associated with NMUPS, it is vital to employ health education that allows students to make informed decisions about behaviors that impact their health. The purpose of this study was to explore perceptions of NMUPS among undergraduate students at a four-year public university in Florida, as well as what those students believe their health education should include, and how universities might be able to improve health education on their campuses. In this study, ten STEM and Health Sciences students and five campus stakeholders participated in semi-structured qualitative interviews. Additionally, a participant observation session was conducted at a campus wide student wellbeing session to assess what messages, if any, were being shared with students regarding NMUPS. Study results indicated that student perceptions of NMUPS varied based on context of use and prior experiences, and NMUPS on campus was influenced by several external factors. Additionally, students and stakeholders alike shared promising suggestions for health education related to NMUPS. These results illustrate the potential for effective health education that is developed with student input and experiences in mind.

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