Background

Alcohol misuse is prevalent among college students and negatively affects their health, relationships, and academics. Alcohol misuse screening for this age group is advised but often overlooked.

Objective

The aim of this study was to implement an evidence-based alcohol screening tool, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption, at a southern university health clinic.

Methods

This quality improvement project used a preintervention/postintervention, mixed-methods design. A survey containing the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption screening tool is used to identify students with alcohol misuse who are then offered education and follow-up. Students who were found to misuse alcohol were retested 1 month later. Qualitative comments were also gathered about the success of the project.

Results

Alcohol misuse at this location is high and usually missed during the student health encounter. Screening and identification of alcohol misuse were increased. The follow-up survey showed a reduced number of students misusing alcohol.

Conclusion

Alcohol screening and treatment in a university health setting may result in decreased alcohol-related problems. The potential to improve student outcomes at other colleges and universities should be considered.