Hur motiverar Studenthälsan universitetsstudenter till minskad alkoholkonsumtion? : - En kvalitativ intervjuundersökning

Sammanfattning: Abstract   Mean, A.F. S. (2019). How Student Health Center motivate university students to reduce alcohol consumption? A qualitative interview study was carried out at three selected Swedish universities and four professionals employed were included in this empirical study. Bachelor thesis in Public Health Science. Department of Occupational and Public Health Science. Faculty of Health and Occupational Studies. University of Gävle, Sweden.   Background: Universities and Student Health Centers are arenas that works with motivation methods to reduce student’s alcohol consumption during studies. Previous studies have discussed social norms, alcohol culture and pointed out that nearly half of all Swedes between 18-25 years are university students. Over the years, this age group has had a higher alcohol intake compared to other periods in life. High alcohol consumption can affect health and all three sustainable aspects: social, economic and environmental sustainability that according to SDGs is to be achieved at year end 2030. The Aim of study: was to investigate how Student Health Centers motivate students to reduce alcohol consumption. Method: A qualitative interview study was carried out at three selected Swedish universities and four professionals’ employees at Student health centers were included in this investigation. Result: The Student Health Centers used a number of different evidence-based methods and strategies with motivational interview to motivate university students to reduce their alcohol consumption. Motivational work was focused on both individuals and groups. Motivational work based on personal experiences and the implementation of motivational conversations with students were accordance with students´ health status and their alcohol issues. Discussion: Students search motivational counseling not because of perceived alcohol problem, but due to stress factors and similar problems. A change in attitudes towards less alcohol intake among young adults could be reached due to increased awareness and knowledge of alcohol harm and alcohol-free drinks alternatives. Conclusion: The main task of the student Health Service is to try to reach all university students by using different motivational methods and tools. The main goal is to increase health promotion, reduce alcohol risk, prevent alcohol abuse and injuries at universities and colleges. Further qualitative research is needed to be able to identify patterns of underlying stress factors and alcohol-related ill-health among university students on a larger number of Universities and Student Health Centers.