scholarly journals Patterns of alcohol consumption and alcohol-related harm among European university students

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (6) ◽  
pp. 1125-1129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Cooke ◽  
Franca Beccaria ◽  
Jakob Demant ◽  
Maria Fernandes-Jesus ◽  
Lena Fleig ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Alcohol Use ◽  
University Students ◽  
Ethnic Group ◽  
Age Of Onset ◽  
Alcohol Use Disorders ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Alcohol Related Harm ◽  
European University ◽  
Related Harm

Abstract Background To compare patterns of alcohol consumption and alcohol-related harm from a survey of university students sampled from universities in Denmark, England, Germany, Italy, Portugal and Switzerland. Methods A total of 2191 university students (70% female, 90% white ethnic group, age range 18–25) completed the survey. Participants completed measures of demographic variables (age, age of onset, ethnic group and sex) and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), which was the primary outcome. Results Sixty-three percent of the sample scored negative for harmful drinking on the AUDIT (<8), with 30% categorized as hazardous drinkers, 4% harmful drinkers and 3% with probable dependence. Analysis of variance, including demographic factors as covariates, identified a main effect of country on AUDIT scores F(5, 2086) = 70.97, P < 0.001, partial eta square = 0.15. AUDIT scores were highest in England (M = 9.99; SD = 6.17) and Denmark (M = 9.52; SD = 4.86) and lowest in Portugal (M = 4.90; ° = 4.60). Post hoc tests indicated large effect size differences between scores in Denmark and England and scores in all other countries (0.79 < d < 0.94; all P’s < 0.001). Conclusions European university students in our sample mainly reported low risk patterns of alcohol consumption and alcohol-related harm. However, students from Northern European countries had significantly higher AUDIT scores compared with students from Central and Southern European countries. Research is needed to replicate the present study using nationally representative samples to estimate the prevalence of alcohol use disorders among university students in different European countries.

scholarly journals Validation of an Online Version of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) for Alcohol Screening in Spanish University Students

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (10) ◽  
pp. 5213
Author(s):  
Laura Ballester ◽  
Itxaso Alayo ◽  
Gemma Vilagut ◽  
José Almenara ◽  
Ana Cebrià ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Alcohol Use ◽  
University Students ◽  
Alcohol Dependence ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Alcohol Use Disorders ◽  
Alcohol Screening ◽  
Online Version ◽  
Timeline Followback ◽  
Identification Test

Online alcohol screening may be helpful in preventing alcohol use disorders. We assessed psychometric properties of an online version of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) among Spanish university students. We used a longitudinal online survey (the UNIVERSAL project) of first-year students (18–24 years old) in five universities, including the AUDIT, as part of the WHO World Mental Health International College Student (WMH-ICS) initiative. A reappraisal interview was carried out with the Timeline Followback (TLFB) for alcohol consumption categories and the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) for alcohol use disorder. Reliability, construct validity and diagnostic accuracy were assessed. Results: 287 students (75% women) completed the MINI, of whom 242 also completed the TLFB. AUDIT’s Cronbach’s alpha was 0.82. The confirmatory factor analysis for the one-factor solution of the AUDIT showed a good fit to the data. Significant AUDIT score differences were observed by TLFB categories and by MINI disorders. Areas under the curve (AUC) were very large for dependence (AUC = 0.96) and adequate for consumption categories (AUC > 0.7). AUDIT cut-off points of 6/8 (women/men) for moderate-risk drinking and 13 for alcohol dependence showed sensitivity/specificity of 76.2%/78.9% and 56%/97.5%, respectively. The online version of the AUDIT is useful for detecting alcohol consumption categories and alcohol dependence in Spanish university students.

scholarly journals Knowledge and Practice towards Alcohol Consumption in a Sample of University Students

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (18) ◽  
pp. 9528
Author(s):  
Marisa Patrizia Messina ◽  
Alessio D'Angelo ◽  
Rosaria Ciccarelli ◽  
Fabiola Pisciotta ◽  
Luigi Tramonte ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Young People ◽  
University Students ◽  
Binge Drinking ◽  
Alcohol Use Disorders ◽  
Alcoholic Beverage ◽  
Social Pressure ◽  
Alcoholic Beverages

Objective: Alcohol affects many human systems and is involved in the pathogenesis of other diseases. Particular attention must be paid to alcohol consumption among young people. It has been shown that 25% of young people’s deaths are attributable to alcohol, and around 35 million people aged over 11 had consumed at least one alcoholic beverage in 2015. Study Design: Young people aged 18–24 were the most vulnerable to binge drinking in Italy, and 50.6% of teenagers drunk alcohol. Only a few studies in the literature have investigated those habits in university students. This study aims to examine alcohol use habits in a population of university students in Italy. Methods: Between 2018 and 2019, an anonymous online questionnaire was randomly sent to university students from 17 different universities in a network of research centres to study alcohol use disorders. The survey included socio-demographic information, questions about alcohol use, knowledge about alcohol consumption, and related risks. Used questionnaires were the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption (AUDIT-C) and the Drinking Motive Questionnaire-Revised (DMQ-R). Results: the AUDIT-C revealed that 53.3% of students were high-risk drinkers. Regarding binge drinking habits, 13.1% of students admitted to binge drinking behavior at least once a month. In our sample, male students are more likely to be low-risk drinkers than female peers (p < 0.008). Students from northern Italy are more likely to be high-risk drinkers (p = 0.003). Beer (65.9%) and wine (60.9%) were the most consumed alcoholic beverages. The most common places to drink alcohol were pubs (85.5%). The most likely motivations to drink alcohol were enhancement (40.43%), social (38.39%), coping (15.63%), and social pressure or conformity (5.55%). Only 43.8% of participants reported having attended an educational course on alcohol. Conclusions: University students were not fully aware of the implications of alcohol misuse and will be part of the adult society as critical figures and future leaders. It is imperative to inform students about alcohol consumption risks and investigate the motivations to drink. Stress, anxiety, and social pressure are only a few issues young people are exposed to. Special attention must be paid to young people and their coping strategies that involve substance abuse by using educative, preventive, and motivational approaches.

scholarly journals We Need to Delay the Age of Onset of Alcohol Consumption

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (8) ◽  
pp. 2739
Author(s):  
Lucía Moure-Rodríguez ◽  
Francisco Caamano-Isorna
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Age Of Onset ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Alcohol Use Disorders ◽  
Adult Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Drinking Patterns ◽  
Increased Risk

In recent years, new consumption patterns, such as binge drinking, have increased among young people and have not always been recognized as problematic either by health personnel or by society in general, as they are intensive episodes, interspersed with no consumption periods. Although the prevalence of alcohol use disorders in the adult population continues to be higher in men than in women, these gender differences in relation to alcohol consumption are barely observed in adolescents between 14 and 18. Therefore, we are witnessing a change in the pattern of consumption, from regular to episodic, and an attenuation of gender differences. New patterns of alcohol consumption have not only been associated with an increased risk of alcohol use disorders in adult life, but also with neurocognitive involvement in youth. Understanding the risk and resilience factors of alcoholism or problematic drinking patterns will not only allow us to identify the most vulnerable group, but also to guide prevention programs towards protective factors; the skills that contribute to the natural abandonment of the pattern. Knowing the variables involved in the trajectories of abandonment and dependency would contribute to personalizing the interventions and increasing their efficacy and success—a lower relapse rate—, reducing the economic and socio-sanitary costs associated with alcohol dependency, as well as improving the health and well-being, family relations, work and social status of alcohol-dependent people.

scholarly journals Adaptación del Cuestionario para Identificación de Trastornos Debidos al Consumo de Alcohol (AUDIT) en universitarios colombianos.

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 231 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fernando Riveros ◽  
Luis A. Vera ◽  
Carlos Gantiva ◽  
Leidy Torres
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Alcohol Use ◽  
University Students ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
Alcohol Use Disorders ◽  
Adaptation Process ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Identification Test ◽  
Positive Correlations ◽  
Model C

Abstract: Adaptation of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) in Colombian university students. Although alcohol consumption is one of the behaviors that generates more negative consequences for public health, there are few validated instruments that allow to measure alcohol consumption in Colombian population. The objective of the present investigation was to adapt the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) in a sample of Colombian university students. The method used was instrumental, because the questionnaire was submitted to the technical adaptation process defined by WHO. It was applied to a sample of 1,557 Colombian university students, selected under a probabilistic procedure. The results showed that the scale (a) has adequate clarity in its language, (b) fits a well-defined two-factor model, (c) has good levels of reliability (internal consistency) and positive correlations between the items. It was concluded that the AUDIT is a tool with sound psychometric properties to be used in Colombian university students.Resumen: El consumo de alcohol es una de las conductas que genera mayores problemáticas para la salud pública, pero son escasos los instrumentos validados que permiten medirlo en población colombiana. El objetivo de la presente investigación fue adaptar el Cuestionario para Identificación de Trastornos Debidos al Consumo de Alcohol (AUDIT) en universitarios colombianos. El método utilizado fue instrumental, dado que el cuestionario fue sometido al proceso técnico de adaptación definido por la OMS. Se aplicó a una muestra de 1.557 universitarios colombianos, seleccionados bajo un procedimiento probabilístico. Los resultados mostraron que la escala (a) posee claridad adecuada en su lenguaje, (b) se ajusta a un modelo de dos factores bien definidos, y (c) posee buenos niveles de fiabilidad (consistencia interna) y correlaciones positivas entre los reactivos. Se concluye que el AUDIT es un instrumento con propiedades psicométricas apropiadas para ser utilizado en universitarios colombianos.

scholarly journals Alcohol-Related Behaviour in Freshmen University Students in Sardinia, Italy

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (13) ◽  
pp. 7203
Author(s):  
Alessandra Mereu ◽  
Arianna Liori ◽  
Claudio Dessì ◽  
Mariano Girau ◽  
Derrick Clifford Mc Gilliard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Alcohol Use ◽  
University Students ◽  
Age Of Onset ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Drinking Behaviour ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Social Drinkers ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Identification Test

This study aims to provide a picture of University of Cagliari students’ alcohol-related behaviour and to explore factors associated with it. Data were collected by administering a questionnaire to 992 freshmen university students from different programs consisting of twelve closed questions, including three questions from the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test for Consumption (AUDIT-C short form). Three subgroups of alcohol-related behaviour were distinguished (risky drinkers, social drinkers and abstainers). In order to explore factors associated with patterns of alcohol consumption, a multivariate logistic regression was performed. The prevalence of risky drinkers was 35%. A binge-drinking behaviour at least once in the last twelve months was declared by 65% (more widespread in men and in students living away from their parents). Risky consumption is significantly associated with age of onset of alcohol use, living away from parents’ home, drinking outside meals and attending health courses. Regarding the levels of daily alcohol consumption perceived as a health risk, 66% of men and 88% of women indicate values higher than those recommended. The results underline the need for tailored prevention measures. University could be a promising setting to implement actions according to a health promotion perspective, to empower students to control their alcohol consumption.

scholarly journals Exploring the use of workplaces to recruit “hard-to-reach” male drinkers to a survey on alcohol use and awareness of health messages

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Dance ◽  
Charlotte Dack ◽  
Celia Lasheras ◽  
Cathy McMahon ◽  
Paul Scott ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Financial Incentive ◽  
Health Messages ◽  
Heavy Episodic Drinking ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Recruitment Strategies ◽  
Public Health Messages ◽  
Alcohol Related Harm ◽  
Related Harm

Abstract Background Lower socioeconomic status (SES) groups, particularly lower SES males, are at greater risk of alcohol-related harm than higher SES groups, despite drinking at the same level or less. However, they are rarely recruited for research through typical recruitment strategies. Consequently, limited evidence exists on patterns of alcohol use and effectiveness of public health messages for these groups. Using workplaces to recruit male drinkers from lower SES backgrounds may provide a feasible and accessible approach to research participation and enable improved understanding of alcohol use, drinking motives and acceptance of alcohol-related public health messages in this underrepresented and high-risk group. We investigated workplace-based strategies to recruit male drinkers from lower SES backgrounds. We also investigated their experiences and motivations for alcohol use, and acceptance of alcohol-related public health messages. Methods A feasibility element investigated the effectiveness of workplace-based strategies to recruit male drinkers from lower SES backgrounds in the south west of England. A pilot element investigated this population’s experiences and motivations for alcohol use, and acceptance of alcohol-related public health messages, through a mixed-methods survey. Results Feasibility results indicated that workplace-based recruitment strategies, including recruiting participants in person at their workplace and providing a financial incentive, effectively led to the recruitment of 84 male drinkers (70% recruitment rate), predominately from lower SES backgrounds, to a survey. Pilot results indicated that more than half of participants were at increasing risk of alcohol-related harm, and approximately one fifth engaged in weekly heavy episodic drinking. Participation in campaigns aimed at reducing alcohol use, and knowledge of government alcohol consumption guidelines, were low. Participants reported negative beliefs about alcohol including health effects, dependency and excess use, and financial and occupational effects. Positive beliefs about alcohol included relaxation, socialising, and enjoyment. Conclusions Workplace-based recruitment, using in-person recruitment and a financial incentive, may be a feasible strategy to recruit male drinkers from lower SES backgrounds. Pilot results may direct larger scale research aiming to understand alcohol use in this population and inform targeted public health messages. Workplace-based recruitment may represent a promising avenue for future research aiming to tackle inequalities in participation in alcohol research.

Friends drinking together: young adults’ evolving support practices

2018 ◽  
Vol 118 (3) ◽  
pp. 212-226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma Dresler ◽  
Margaret Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Multiple Forms ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Friendship Group ◽  
Qualitative Descriptive ◽  
Support Practices ◽  
Alcohol Related Harm ◽  
Related Harm

Purpose Young adult’s drinking is about pleasure, a communal practice of socialising together in a friendship group. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the evolving support practices of drinking groups for better targeting of health communications messages. Design/methodology/approach This qualitative descriptive study examined the narratives of 28 young people’s (age 18-24 years old) experience of a “night out” framed as the Alcohol Consumption Journey. Findings The Alcohol Consumption Journey ritual consisted of three phases: preloading, going out and recovery. The participants described multiple forms of support practices located at each phase of the Alcohol Consumption Journey for maximising pleasure, minimising risk, encouraging supportive behaviours, enhancing group cohesion and protecting the drinkers from alcohol-related harm. Hence, support practices played a critical part in constituting and consolidating the drinking group. While the support practices appeared to be structured into the Alcohol Consumption Journey, they were activated differently for young men and young women. Support practices were an important driver in perpetuating the Alcohol Consumption Journey. Originality/value The paper extends Vander Ven’s concept of “drunk support” to better understand young adults’ evolving support practices in the ritualised Alcohol Consumption Journey.

scholarly journals Comparing short versions of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) in a military cohort

2018 ◽  
Vol 165 (5) ◽  
pp. 312-316 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason Watterson ◽  
B Gabbe ◽  
P Dietze ◽  
A Bowring ◽  
J V Rosenfeld
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Alcohol Use Disorders ◽  
Pearson’S Correlation ◽  
Identification Test ◽  
Hazardous Alcohol ◽  
Military Populations ◽  
Pearson's Correlation ◽  
Short Versions

BackgroundThe Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) is widely used for monitoring harmful alcohol consumption among high-risk populations. A number of short versions of AUDIT have been developed for use in time-constrained settings. In military populations, a range of AUDIT variations have been used, but the optimal combination of AUDIT items has not been determined.MethodsA total of 952 participants (80% male), recruited as part of a wider study, completed the AUDIT-10. We systematically assessed all possible combinations of three or four AUDIT items and established AUDIT variations using the following statistics: Cronbach’s alpha (internal consistency), variance explained (R2) and Pearson’s correlation coefficient (concurrent validity).ResultsMedian AUDIT-10 score was 7 for males and 6 for females, and 380 (40%) participants were classified as having a score indicative of harmful or hazardous alcohol use (≥8) according to WHO classifications.A novel four-item AUDIT variation (3, 4, 8 and 9) performed consistently higher than established variations across statistical measures; it explained 85% of variance in AUDIT-10, had a Pearson’s correlation of 0.92 and Cronbach’s alpha was 0.63. The FAST, an established shortened AUDIT variant, together with several other four-item novel variants of AUDIT-10 performed similarly. The AUDIT-C performed consistently low on all measures, but with a satisfactory level of internal consistency (75%).ConclusionShortened AUDIT variations may be suitable alternatives to the full AUDIT for screening hazardous alcohol consumption in military populations. Four-item AUDIT variations focused on short-term risky drinking and its consequences performed better than three item versions.Trial registration numberACTRN12614001332617.

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