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Drinking in college: consumption patterns, problems, sex differences and legal drinking age
1South Shore Mental Health Center, Inc., Charlestown, Rhode Island 02813.
Journal of Studies on Alcohol
|November 1, 1990
Summary
Despite fewer college students drinking, heavy alcohol consumption remains prevalent. Demographic factors and living situations significantly predict drinking habits and related problems among university students.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Sociology
- Psychology
Background:
- Understanding current college student drinking patterns is crucial for public health interventions.
- Previous estimates of college drinking may not reflect contemporary trends.
- Identifying predictors of alcohol consumption and related problems is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess current alcohol consumption levels and identify heavy drinkers among undergraduate students.
- To examine the relationship between demographic variables and alcohol consumption.
- To compare drinking patterns and problems with previous college drinking studies.
Main Methods:
- A random sample of 800 undergraduate students at Rutgers University was surveyed.
- Data from 606 respondents (75.8% completion rate) were analyzed.
- Statistical analysis explored correlations between demographics, consumption, and reported problems.
Main Results:
- A significant number of heavy drinkers persist despite potentially lower overall consumption rates.
- Traditional demographics (e.g., race, living situation) predict alcohol consumption.
- Women reported fewer heavy drinkers but equal alcohol-related problems compared to men.
Conclusions:
- Heavy drinking remains a concern in the college population.
- On-campus residents and white students exhibit higher consumption rates.
- The legal drinking age has minimal impact on overall consumption or problems.