Screening and brief counseling among young adults: comparison of college students, community college students, and persons not in school

Results Of respondents, 42% were enrolled in 4-year, 25% in community colleges, and 33% were not enrolled. Students in 4-year and community colleges were more likely than others to have seen a physician in the past year (75%, 73%, 65%). Of those seeing a physician, similar proportions (75%-82%) in each group were asked about their drinking, smoking, and drug use. Students in 4-year and community colleges were less likely to be advised about health risks linked to drinking (45%, 46%, vs. 53%), smoking (45%, 47%, vs. 57%), and using drugs (44%, 46%, vs. 53%). Of 4-year and community college students and those not enrolled, 15%, 19%, and 28%, respectively, were advised to reduce or stop drinking; 14%, 20%, and 30% smoking; and 14%, 20%, and 26% drug use. Higher percentages were encouraged to exercise, improve their diet, and avoid pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.