Drinking Patterns and Behavioral Consequences: A Cross-Sectional Study among Romanian University Students

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Sociology
• Psychology

Background:

• Alcohol and binge drinking among university students is a significant public health concern.
• Student populations undergo major life transitions, increasing vulnerability to risky behaviors like excessive alcohol consumption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze alcohol consumption patterns in Romanian university students.
• To identify and describe behaviors associated with alcohol consumption in this demographic.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study surveyed 468 undergraduate students from medicine and law faculties.
• Validated, anonymous questionnaires assessed demographics, alcohol quantity/frequency, and drinking-related problems.
• Data analysis compared consumption and behaviors between male and female students.

Main Results:

• Male students consumed significantly more alcohol units per week than female students (p<0.001).
• Prevalence of abstainers was 10.8% for males and 17.6% for females.
• Heavy drinking (≥5 drinks/week) was more common in males (19.3%) than females (16.2%).
• Drinking behaviors frequently related to academic performance, though the link is tenuous and needs more research.

Conclusions:

• Findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to curb student alcohol consumption.
• Preventing adverse health and social consequences linked to student drinking behaviors is crucial.
• Further research is warranted to explore the relationship between alcohol consumption and academic performance in university students.