Protective behavioral strategies and negative alcohol-related consequences among US college fraternity and sorority members

Objectives: Students affiliated with Greek fraternities/sororities are at greater risk for experiencing negative alcohol-related consequences. Protective behavioral strategies (PBS) appear to decrease these consequences; however, these strategies have yet to be examined specifically with US college fraternity/sorority populations. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between PBS and negative alcohol-related outcomes among fraternity/sorority members. Methods: We conducted a secondary data analysis of 18354 US college students (65.3% female) between the ages of 18 and 25 who participated in the Fall 2010 National College Health Assessment-II survey. Using adjusted logistic regression models, we predicted the odds of drinking behaviors, 11 PBS, and 9 negative alcohol-related consequences based on fraternity/sorority membership status. Results: Compared to non-fraternity/sorority members, fraternity/sorority members were more likely to report using all but two PBS examined in the study. Additionally, fraternity/sorority members were more likely to report binge drinking, driving after drinking, and experiencing negative consequences of alcohol use. Conclusions: These findings indicate PBS alone may be insufficient for preventing negative outcomes associated with drinking in high-risk groups. Future research should examine if PBS combined with other alcohol use intervention strategies among fraternity/sorority members are more effective at preventing negative outcomes.