2018-2019 Faculty Research Grants

Alina Baltazar (Social Work)

Qualitative Assessment of Christian College Students’ Perceptions of Motivations and Influences for Health Risk Behaviors

College students participate in numerous health risk behaviors that may negatively impact their life. These risk behaviors include alcohol, tobacco, drug use, and sexual behavior. Research shows that Andrews University students participate in these risk behaviors, but at much lower rates compared to the general college student population. The purpose of this study is replicate the study that was conducted in 2013 and expand on previously identified themes. The aim is to investigate students’ perceptions of drug use, sexual activity, and other factors that are associated with health risk behaviors in order to gain a better understanding of why their use rates are so much lower than the general college student population. There will be a focus on the role of religiosity, societal norms, media, family, and mentors and how these variables influence each other. The study will take a qualitative approach using focus groups.  Same as before, this will be done by conducting semi-structured focus group interviews with 5-7 focus groups to evaluate student perceptions and concerns regarding health risk behaviors. Researchers will utilize QDA Miner software and apply the constant comparative method of analysis. This method is used to compare themes and sub-themes both between and within different research subjects. Findings will be compared and integrated with the quantitative survey results from the Health Risk Behavior Survey to form a more complete picture of the factors which protect AU students from health risk behaviors. The goal will be to develop more effective health risk prevention programs.