Integrating the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) framework with product packaging perceptions: THC products and college students.

Abstract

Objectives: An evolving THC product marketplace is diffusing through college campuses. It is essential to understand college students' THC knowledge, attitudes, practices, and product packaging perceptions to identify campus health education and messaging strategies. Participants: Participants were 30 undergraduate college students at a large-midwestern, public university. Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted. Transcripts were analyzed using the constant comparative method and drawing upon the KAP (knowledge, attitudes, and practices) framework. Results: Participants view THC products in functional ways (i.e. to help with sleep, anxiety, and focus, getting high, and social connection). Their fear of product lacing and "greening out" (having a bad experience) guided their choice to stick with products they were familiar with and their desire for more product information. Conclusions: Findings suggest that campus education modules should feature harm mitigation strategies, rather than fear-based approaches and should help connect students to campus mental health resources.