Predicting binge drinking among university students: Application of integrated behavioral model

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Behavioral Science
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Binge drinking is a harmful alcohol consumption pattern defined as consuming four (women) or five (men) drinks in approximately two hours.
• This behavior poses significant public health risks, including damage to various body organs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of binge drinking among students at Bahir Dar University in Northwest Ethiopia.
• To identify factors associated with binge drinking and behavioral intentions in this student population.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted in November 2017 with 413 student participants.
• Systematic sampling and structured questionnaires were employed for data collection.
• Logistic and linear regression models analyzed the association between variables and binge drinking/intention.

Main Results:

• 33.4% of students reported engaging in binge drinking.
• Experiential attitude, instrumental attitude, and self-efficacy significantly predicted the intention to binge drink.
• Binge drinking was significantly associated with experiential attitude, environmental constraints, injunctive norms, and knowledge.

Conclusions:

• Approximately one-third of the surveyed students engaged in binge drinking.
• Intervention strategies should address identified determinants such as attitudes, self-efficacy, social norms, and knowledge.
• Understanding these factors is essential for developing effective prevention and intervention programs for student populations.