Protective behaviors and high-risk drinking among entering college freshmen.

OBJECTIVES To explore the use of protective behaviors to reduce risks associated with alcohol consumption among adolescents during the summer preceding college enrollment. METHODS Survey data were collected in fall 2006 and 2007 that assessed demographic characteristics, drinking behaviors, and use of protective behaviors in the 3 months preceding the survey. RESULTS Female participants reported using 4 out of 10 protective behaviors more often than did males, and using protective behaviors was significantly related to fewer negative drinking-related consequences. CONCLUSIONS Findings highlight potential benefits of using protective behaviors and the need to promote effective behaviors.

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