156060 Rapid assessment for the prevalence of alcohol (ab)use among emerging adults in NYC nightlife using time-space sampling: A preliminary report

Monday, November 5, 2007

Christian Grov, PhD, MPH , Health and Nutrition Sciences, Brooklyn College, New York, NY
Jeffrey T. Parsons, PhD , Center for HIV Educational Studies and Training (CHEST), Hunter College, New York, NY
Brooke Wells, MA , Psychology, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York and The Center for HIV Educational Studies and Training (CHEST), New York, NY
Brian C. Kelly, PhD , Sociology and Anthropology, Perdue University and Center for HIV Educational Studies and Training (CHEST), New York, NY
Many researchers have identified both the prevalence and negative consequences of binge drinking behaviors among emerging adults (ages 18-29); however much of this research has been focused to college-based convenience samples.

Methods. Using a time-space sampling methodology, an exhaustive list of nightclubs/bars/lounges in NYC was enumerated and randomized. Between December 22, 2006 and January 20, 2007 fifteen teams of two attended randomly selected venues on Friday and Saturday nights, and, using PDA devices, conducted an anonymous survey of 332 emerging adults (n[male] = 149, n[female] = 182, 37.7% persons of color) as they were entering/exiting these establishments.

Results. Nearly all participants (98% of men, 97% of women) reported that they drink alcohol. Among drinkers, out of the last 90 days, men averaged significantly more drinking days (M = 33.5, SD = 25.25, Range 1-90) than women (M = 24.2, SD = 21.29, Range 1-90, t [318] = 3.58, p < .001), and were more likely to have reported binge drinking (91.0% v. 82.3%, χ2 [1] = 5.01, p < .05). Further, women averaged 53.1% of drinking days spent binge drinking and men averaged 54.4% of drinking days binge drinking. Additional results on the relationship between drinking and sexual behavior will be discussed. Conclusions. Time-space sampling methodology within nightlife establishments proved effective in identifying the magnitude in which emerging adults are drinking, binge drinking, and having sex while under the influence of alcohol. The data indicate it may be possible to detect and screen for substance (ab)use in these types of settings.

Learning Objectives:
1. Describe time-space sampling methodology as appropriate for nightclub, bar, and lounge establishments. 2. Identify the prevalence of drinking and binge drinking among NYC-based nightclub-going emerging adults. 3. Discuss negative health outcomes associated with sexual behavior under the influence of alcohol.

Keywords: Alcohol Use, Binge Drinking

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No
Any institutionally-contracted trials related to this submission?

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.