Evalaution of the association between adoption of different protective behaviors and gender and relationship status among college heavy drinkers

Objective: To evaluate predictors of protective behaviors among heavy drinking college students. Methods: Undergraduate students were recruited as part of a larger clinical trial. Participants reported at least one "binge" episode in the past two weeks. Demographic characteristics, family history of alcohol abuse, quantity/frequency of drinking, drinking-related problems and utilization of protective behaviors were obtained through online questionnaires. For each student we calculated total protective behavior score (TPBS) and three subcategories: “limiting drinking score” (LDS), “manner of drinking score” (MDS), and “serious harm reduction score” (SHRS). Results: Data from 283 students were used for this analysis. After adjustment for age, class, alcohol consumption, fraternity or sorority membership, dating status, and having at least one problem drinker parent, we found that for all four categories of protective behavior score, higher alcohol consumption was significantly associated with lower levels of protective behaviors. Students most frequently reported “keeping track where your drink had been”, “using a designated driver” and “avoid trying to keep up with others”. In the same model, female gender was associated with higher TPBS, MDS, and SHRS, but not LDS. Exclusive dating, compared to single and not dating, was a significant predictor of higher TPBS and LDS. Having at least one problematic parent drinker and class status were not associated with protective behavior scores. Conclusion: Among heavy drinking college students in this study, drinking habit, gender, and relationship status were significant predictors of protective behaviors. Studies attempting to reduce alcohol abuse among college students should take these findings into consideration.