Poster Sessions
An overview of the College Prevention Project: Learning about the Selection and Implementation of AOD Prevention from Student Affairs Professionals
Ashley Helle, PhD., Assistant Research Professor, Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri
After working with partnering PIP campuses to review strategic planning documents, collect surveys, and complete interviews, we are ready to share our preliminary findings. Please stop by our table to hear about the main study findings, including what we learned about the CollegeAIM tool and what professionals are doing across campuses when it comes to selecting and implementing evidence-based alcohol and substance prevention. We will also highlight areas for future directions and we would love to hear from you!
Key Barriers and Facilitators of the Selection and Implementation of Evidence-Based Substance Prevention
Ashley Helle, PhD., Assistant Research Professor, Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri
Through conducting interviews with 16 student affairs professionals in Missouri, we identified six key determinants of successful selection and implementation of evidence-based alcohol and substance prevention strategies. We will review those six determinants and share insights from our data, including recommendations on how to maximize those facilitators and minimize those barriers on your campus during the strategic planning and implementation process.
A Spotlight on Leadership: Key to Effective Implementation in Substance Prevention
Ashley Helle, PhD., Assistant Research Professor, Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri
Description: Featuring data from 142 student affairs professionals, we present insights on the role of leadership in the implementation of alcohol and substance prevention strategies. Highlighting perspectives from both leaders and staff, we focus on leadership support across critical phases—exploration, implementation, and sustainment—essential for successful program adoption and impact in higher education settings.
The Lived Experience of Providing Preventative Caries Care in Missouri Post COVID-19 and Cannabis Legalization
Marisela Quetzecua Pre-Dental Major, Janice Putnam Ph.D., RN, University of Central Missouri
This qualitative phenomenological study explored routine preventative dental hygiene practice in Missouri pre and post-COVID-19 pandemic and the concurrent legalization of cannabis. Practicing dentists (n=6) in Missouri were interviewed using an IRB-approved questionnaire. Results were transcribed, coded, and thematically analyzed into four themes: (1) caries care prevention experiences before 2020 were similar including examinations and routine cleanings, (2) there were differences in experiences and the impacts of COVID-19 on preventative dental care, (3) there is a lack of education and awareness of the impact of cannabis on caries prevention, and (4) the future vision of dental practitioners vary widely and there is a concern for its uncertainty. These results may help identify future actions that can be taken during a pandemic and may also help identify actions that can prevent the increase in caries caused by the use of cannabis.
Black Bag Project
Trin Tatro, Peer Wellness Educator, Missouri University of Science and Technology
This poster showcases the STEP UP! program's transformative role in Missouri S&T's residential and Greek life, focusing on enhancing peer intervention. In Fall 2023, over 1300 students participated, with a significant 80% reporting heightened confidence in intervention skills. The initiative's success in residential halls and Greek houses is pivotal, fostering a more inclusive, aware, and empathetic community. This model, critical in tackling issues like substance abuse, sexualized violence, and mental health, exemplifies effective peer-to-peer engagement strategies and presents a blueprint for similar interventions in university settings.
Empowering Peer Intervention in Residential and Greek Life at Missouri S&T: The STEP UP! Program Impact
Angel Springer, Peer Wellness Educator: Accessibility, Diversity, & Inclusion, Missouri University of Science and Technology
The Black Bag Project is a student led initiative to make sexual health materials, including condoms, dental dams, and lubricant, available to students. This is a collaborative effort between Student Well-being, Student Health, Student Diversity Initiatives, and Resident Hall directors to increase the awareness of best sexual health practices and increase accessibility of STI testing and sexual health resources on and off campus.
Public Health Minded Prevention and Peer Education Initiatives for Addressing Alarming Substance Misuse in Minority College Students
Austin Thrasher, Peer Wellness Educator, Missouri University of Science and Technology
This study explores the trends in substance misuse among minority college students in the United States and the state of Missouri. Through a comprehensive analysis of survey data and academic literature, patterns and factors influencing the prevalence of substance misuse within the minority college student population, in terms of gender identity and sexual orientation, are identified. Understanding the nuanced relationships between gender identity, sexual orientation, and substance misuse is imperative for developing targeted prevention strategies and support systems. The study aims to contribute to the existing body of research on substance abuse in higher education, providing insights that can guide public health focused prevention and peer education initiatives tailored to the unique needs of college aged students with diverse gender identities and sexual orientations.
The Achilles Heel of College Sport: Examining the Relationship between Sport Specific Factors and Risky Health Behaviors
Meg Mottola, Missouri Partners in Prevention
More information coming soon!
