Stress, stressors, and substance use: Differential risk for hookah use among African American college students.

Using differential, multivariable risk models, we assessed the contribution of substance use and stress/traumatic events to hookah use among African American college students (n = 1,402) using data from the Fall 2012 American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment (ACHA-NCHA) II. Lifetime hookah use was 24.8%, with 34.2% of lifetime users having done so in the past 30 days. Compared to nonusers, hookah users had significantly higher use rates of alcohol, marijuana, other tobacco, and other drugs. Furthermore, hookah use was more likely among those with cumulative stress, yet less likely among older students. An implication is that prevention messages may need to be tailored for African American college students and particularly target younger students, substance users, and those with cumulative stress. These findings also inform policy discussions regarding hookah use on college campuses.

School and peer influences on the academic outcomes of African American adolescents.

Little scholarship explores how adolescents' beliefs about school and peers influence the academic outcomes of African American boys and girls. The sample included 612 African American boys (N = 307, Mage = 16.84) and girls (N = 305, Mage = 16.79). Latent class analysis (LCA) revealed unique patterns for African American boys and girls. Findings indicate that for African American boys, school attachment was protective, despite having peers who endorsed negative achievement values. Furthermore, socio-economic (SES) status was associated with higher grade point averages (GPA) for African American girls. Overall, these findings underscore the unique role of school, peer, and gendered experiences in lives of African American adolescents.

Factors Associated with Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Status at U.S. Colleges and Universities.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates remain low, but college student vaccination could offset this trend. This study identifies characteristics that could enhance HPV vaccination among U.S. college students. Data were from the National College Health Assessment II survey (fall 2012, N = 18,919). Univariate and logistic regression analyses were used to examine associations among demographic characteristics, college region and size, health status, receipt of health services, sexual health information, and HPV vaccination status. Among women, ethnic minorities, students attending schools in the South, those not receiving routine gynecological care in the past 12 months, and those unsure of when they last received gynecological care were less likely to report HPV vaccination. Among men, African Americans, students attending schools in the South and West, and those receiving sexually transmitted infection information were more likely to report vaccination. Data suggest that college health education can help to improve U.S. HPV vaccination rates. Campus health practitioners providing sexual health information and referrals are positioned to assist in this effort.

Hookah and Cigarette Smoking Among African American College Students: Implications for Campus Risk Reduction And Health Promotion Efforts.

OBJECTIVE: To identify individual and institutional risks and protections for hookah and cigarette smoking among African American (AA) college students. PARTICIPANTS: AA college students (N = 1,402; mean age = 20, range = 18-24 years; 75% female) who completed the Fall 2012 American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment II. METHODS: Respondents were stratified into 4 mutually exclusive groups by last-30-day smoking status: cigarette-only use (5.1%), hookah-only use (5.9%), dual use (2.4%), and nonuse (86.6%). Multinomial logistic regression models identified the relative odds of exclusive and dual hookah and cigarette smoking. RESULTS: Current hookah and cigarette smoking rates were comparably low. Age, gender identity, current substance use, interest in tobacco use information, and student population prevailed as risks and protections for hookah and cigarette smoking. CONCLUSIONS: Campus health promotion campaigns may need to tailor messages to AA students, particularly those who use substances, to underscore the health risks of hookah and cigarette smoking.