Opioid Overdose Education, Knowledge, and Behavior Among First-Year Sorority and Fraternity Members at Arizona State University

The opioid crisis is a dangerous public health issue on the rise among college students involved in Greek organizations. This study investigated what first-year students involved in National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) sororities and Interfraternity Council (IFC) fraternities at Arizona State University (ASU) know about opioids and how to react in the event of an opioid overdose to provide recommendations for ASU. Data was collected by surveying first-year NPC and IFC students at ASU on their knowledge and behavior patterns regarding opioids and overdoses. Additionally, a series of interviews with large public universities in the United States were conducted to discuss resources available to students. It was found that the fraternity and sorority members surveyed have an inadequate amount of knowledge about opioids and overdoses, but have less experiences with opioids and/or overdoses compared to non-Greek affiliated students at ASU. It is believed that with proper education and access to resources, students will decrease their risk of experiencing an overdose. This research provided the basis to argue for educational programs and resources being provided to students at ASU.