Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 21, 2026

Chronic Intermittent Ethanol Vapor Exposure Paired with Two-Bottle Choice to Model Alcohol Use Disorder
Published on: June 23, 2023
Tobacco, marijuana, and alcohol use in university students: a cluster analysis
Brian A Primack1, Kevin H Kim, Ariel Shensa
1Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. bprimack@pitt.edu
Objective:
Segmentation of populations may facilitate development of targeted substance abuse prevention programs. The authors aimed to partition a national sample of university students according to profiles based on substance use.
Participants:
The authors used 2008-2009 data from the National College Health Assessment from the American College Health Association. The sample consisted of 111,245 individuals from 158 institutions.
Methods:
The sample was partitioned using cluster analysis according to current substance use behaviors. The association of cluster membership with individual and institutional characteristics was examined.
Results:
Cluster analysis yielded 6 distinct clusters. Three individual factors--gender, year in school, and fraternity/sorority membership--were the most strongly associated with cluster membership.
Conclusions:
In a large sample of university students, the authors were able to identify 6 distinct patterns of substance abuse. It may be valuable to target specific populations of college-aged substance users based on individual factors. However, comprehensive intervention will require a multifaceted approach.
Related Concept Videos
CNS Depressants: Alcohol and Nicotine
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques IV
Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Cluster Sampling Method
To choose a cluster sample, divide the population into clusters (groups) and then randomly select some of the clusters. All the members from these clusters are in the cluster sample. For example, if you randomly sample four departments from your...
Stimulants
Cocaine can be administered via snorting, injection, or smoking. It primarily functions by blocking the reuptake of dopamine, resulting in a euphoric high characterized by an intense sensation of happiness and...
Statistical Methods for Analyzing Epidemiological Data

