Tailoring Health Communications to Enhance Overdose Prevention Programming in Higher Education Institutions: An Implementation Science Study

Publication Date

4-13-2026

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Health Promotion Practice

DOI

10.1177/15248399261435603

Abstract

College students represent a vulnerable group for substance misuse and overdoses in the United States. Prevention programs within higher education that offer overdose prevention programming, including health education and expanded naloxone training and access, have seen positive outcomes in preventing overdoses in this population, though implementation processes that contribute to these positive outcomes are largely understudied. We applied the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research to understand college students’ perceptions of overdose prevention programming implemented on their college campus, their recommendations for increasing awareness and uptake of overdose prevention programming on campus, and their suggestions for improving overdose prevention programming on campus. Employing a qualitative design using a 34-item semi-structured interview guide among college students based in the Western United States between January and March 2024, we interviewed 19 participants and analyzed the data using descriptive content analysis. Participants highlighted individual, inner setting, and broader community-level factors that play a role in students being able to learn about and access overdose prevention resources on campus. While individual beliefs and knowledge were an important theme throughout, participants strongly recommended tailored health communication to improve outreach strategies within the inner setting and broader community. Working in partnership with students to tailor health communications, including training students, faculty, and staff and strategically placing promotional materials in multiple locations on campus, can improve student awareness of resources and reduce stigma associated with seeking prevention resources. Higher education institutions can be informed by participant recommendations when considering implementing overdose prevention programming on their college campuses.

Keywords

college campuses, college students, community outreach, health and wellness, health education, health promotion, higher education, implementation science, overdose prevention, public health

Department

Public Health and Recreation

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