College campus drinking behavior: A North Eastern University Experience

Introduction: Alcohol intake and alcohol related consequences continue to be a huge problem on college campuses across the nation. Binge drinking has proven to negatively affect college student's academic performance, social relationships and health. A National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Study estimated that about 1,700 college students die each year from alcohol-related unintentional injuries. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to gather accurate data for reducing dangerous drug and alcohol use and related consequences of use. Methods: A random sample of 490 students from 39 classes (of undergraduate participants) was used at a North Eastern University in Spring 2010. The American College Health Association's National College Health Assessment Survey (proven reliability and validity and tracks student health outcomes, protective behaviors, risk behaviors and perceived norms in variety of areas including alcohol usage) was voluntary completed by the study participants after the Institutional Review Board approved of this study. Results: Alcohol use contributed 9.7% among different factors affecting their individual academic performance.11.5% of college students reported driving after 5 or more drinks in the last 30 days and 28.3% of college students reported driving after any alcohol in the last 30 days. 42% of the students reported consuming 7 or more drinks the last time they ‘partied' or ‘socialised'. Discussion: Alcohol use and its consequences such as impaired driving, decreased academic performance and class absenteeism continue to affect the lives of college students. Implications of these findings and recommendations to control campus alcohol usage are discussed.