Child Abuse as a Predictor of Alcohol Consumption Among Brazilian University Students

Alcohol use among university students has received considerate attention in recent years due to its serious consequences. There is insufficient data in terms of the relationship between child abuse history and future use of alcohol in such a group. In addition, little is known about the effects of polyvictimization (lifetime multiple victimization experiences) on the consumption of these young adults. This study has examined whether a history of exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) and/or child abuse is related to alcohol consumption. Particular attention was given to different forms of victimization (physical, psychological, sexual abuse, and exposure to IPV) occurring over the life of the individual. A questionnaire that underwent a process of adaptation in two pilot studies, incorporating the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and questions about child abuse history, was used. The questionnaire was applied to 1,452 students in Brazil. Child abuse and polyvictimization were related to higher alcohol intake and binge consumption in the last 3 months. Physical, psychological, and exposure to IPV were polyvictimization forms with the most impact on alcohol consumption. The study points out the need to initiate prevention strategies among Brazilian university students for a decrease of harmful alcohol consumption, as well as prevention of family violence.