Misperceptions of alcohol use and the risk of use in two-year college students: A call for action

Background: Previous studies examining perceptions of alcohol use among college students have illustrated the misperceptions that exist regarding alcohol norms. Despite the knowledge in the field, these studies have focused on four-year college students; whereas, students in two-year colleges remain a largely understudied population. Purpose: The purpose of the current study was to examine perceptions of alcohol use and the severity of alcohol-related risks in a two-year college student population. Additionally, results of the two-year college student population were compared with that of a four-year institution, in the same geographical location. Methods: To measure these factors, the Core Alcohol and Drug Survey, designed by the Core Institute at Southern Illinois University – Carbondale, was administered to randomly selected classrooms at a two-year community college. The Core Survey provides valid and reliable scores for items measuring the nature, scope and consequences of high risk drinking behaviors in college students. Findings: A total of 581 surveys were completed. Consistent with perceptions found among students at four-year colleges, students in this population perceive their peers daily use of alcohol as much higher than the actual reports of daily alcohol use (18% vs. 1%). Comparing current drinkers versus non-drinkers, non- drinkers perceive greater risk in regards to frequent drinking than current drinkers (71% vs. 49%). Conclusion: Results from this study represent a population that is ignored in the literature. However, our results show, misperceptions of alcohol norms are also present in two-year institutions and a need exists to address these issues in this population.