163457 Alcohol 101: Patterns and predictors of alcohol use among college students

Sunday, November 4, 2007

Marilyn Gardner, PhD , Department of Public Health, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY
The National College Health Survey was administered to a random sample of students, stratified by grade level, attending a regional institution in the mid-south. While approximately one-fourth of students report having never consumed alcohol, nearly 60% of drinkers reported at least one alcohol-related negative consequence during the last year. The average number of negative consequences was higher among males, Greeks, and persons living off-campus. Within the two weeks prior to taking the survey, 21% of those who have consumed alcohol reported episodic heavy drinking on four or more days. The average number of episodes was higher among males, Greeks, and persons living off-campus. Further, approximately 40% of those who have consumed alcohol report driving after drinking; and, 11% report doing so after five or more alcoholic beverages. The percentage for each of these behaviors is higher among males and persons living off-campus.

Learning Objectives:
At the end of the session, participants will be able to: 1) discuss the risk and protective factors associated with alcohol misuse among college students; and, 2) brainstorm strategies health educators and college administrators can use to reduce risk

Keywords: Alcohol, College Students

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.

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