Title: Predicting college student alcohol consumption and related problems

Authors: Alexandra D. Ruuska; Lu Xu; Gayle Prybutok; Victor R. Prybutok

Addresses: University of Massachusetts, USA ' University of North Georgia, USA ' University of North Texas, USA ' University of North Texas, USA

Abstract: This research examines the effects of four groups of factors on two outcome variables, alcohol consumption and alcohol-related problems, in college students. These factor groups include academic performance, social factors, addictive behaviour, and alcohol-related knowledge. Data were collected from 565 college students and stepwise and linear regression were utilised to analyse the data. The results show that for students under age 21, the outcome variables were influenced by GPA, Greek organisation membership, being an honours student, smoking frequency, and alcohol-related knowledge. For those aged 21 or older, the outcome variables were only influenced by religious affiliation, smoking frequency, and alcohol-related knowledge. Further, alcohol consumption was positively associated with alcohol-related problems including drinking beyond personal limits, drinking and driving, and poor academic performance. This study contributes to the literature on alcohol consumption and related problems in college students. The findings emphasise when effective intervention is needed.

Keywords: alcohol consumption; alcohol-related problems; college students.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBHR.2022.127122

International Journal of Behavioural and Healthcare Research, 2022 Vol.8 No.3/4, pp.254 - 270

Received: 18 Mar 2022
Accepted: 20 Oct 2022
Published online: 22 Nov 2022 *

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