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Schwebel FJ, Richards DK, Andersson C, Larimer ME. A Cross-Cultural Comparison of Negative Alcohol-Related Consequences in the United States and Sweden: Measurement Invariance of the Rutgers Alcohol Problem Index. Assessment 2024; 31:899-907. [PMID: 37694379 DOI: 10.1177/10731911231195834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Commensurate measures of alcohol-related consequences across countries and cultures are critical for addressing the global burden of hazardous alcohol use. The Rutgers Alcohol Problem Index (RAPI), developed and validated in the United States, is a popular measure of alcohol problems. This study examined measurement invariance of the RAPI across samples of U.S. and Swedish high school seniors. Latent mean differences in alcohol problems across countries and differences in associations between alcohol problems with alcohol use and protective behavioral strategies (PBS) were also examined. The RAPI was scalar invariant. Swedish students reported fewer problems than U.S. students (latent mean difference = -0.19, p = .047). In both samples, the RAPI was positively correlated with alcohol use frequency and quantity (ps < .001), and negatively correlated with PBS use (ps < .05). Overall, the RAPI demonstrated measurement invariance, and we found evidence for its validity across samples of U.S. and Swedish high school seniors.
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Larimer ME, Witkiewitz K, Schwebel FJ, Lee CM, Lewis MA, Kilmer JR, Andersson C, Johnsson K, Dillworth T, Fossos-Wong N, Pace T, Grazioli VS, Berglund M. An International Comparison of a Web-Based Personalized Feedback Intervention for Alcohol use During the Transition out of High School in the United States and Sweden. PREVENTION SCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION RESEARCH 2021; 22:670-682. [PMID: 33817755 PMCID: PMC8244651 DOI: 10.1007/s11121-021-01231-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Young adult drinkers engage in a range of drinking patterns from abstaining to heavy drinking in both the United States and Sweden. Heavy drinking during young adulthood in both countries is associated with a variety of negative consequences. Personalized feedback interventions have been identified as effective prevention strategies to prevent or reduce heavy drinking in the United States. This study examined transitions in drinking profiles and compared the efficacy of a personalized feedback intervention for 3965 young adults in the United States (1,735) and Sweden (2230) during their transition out of high school. Using goodness-of-fit criteria, results indicated that three drinking profiles exist among young adults transitioning out of high school: very low drinkers/abstainers, moderate to heavy drinkers, and very heavy drinkers. Latent Markov models revealed a moderating effect of country on personalized feedback intervention such that intervention condition participants in the United States were more likely to belong to the light drinker/abstainer or moderate to heavy profile relative to the very heavy drinking profile at 6-month follow-up. There was no significant effect of personalized feedback intervention in Sweden. Future research could investigate the impact of when personalized feedback interventions are administered and could examine if personalized feedback interventions should be more intentionally culturally adapted in order to be more effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary E Larimer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, 1100 NE 45th St, Suite 300, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
| | - Katie Witkiewitz
- Department of Psychology and Center On Alcohol, Substance Use, And Addictions, University of New Mexico, MSC03 2220 Logan Hall 118, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Frank J Schwebel
- Department of Psychology and Center On Alcohol, Substance Use, And Addictions, University of New Mexico, MSC03 2220 Logan Hall 118, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA.
| | - Christine M Lee
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, 1100 NE 45th St, Suite 300, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
| | - Melissa A Lewis
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Systems, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Jason R Kilmer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, 1100 NE 45th St, Suite 300, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
| | - Claes Andersson
- Department of Criminology, Malmö University, 205 06, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Kent Johnsson
- Department of Social Work, Malmö University, 205 06, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Tiara Dillworth
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Box 359740, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Nicole Fossos-Wong
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, 1100 NE 45th St, Suite 300, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
| | - Timothy Pace
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, 1100 NE 45th St, Suite 300, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
| | - Véronique S Grazioli
- Department of Community Medicine and Health, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Lausanne University Hospital, Switzerland, University of Washington, 1100 NE 45th St, Suite 300, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
| | - Mats Berglund
- Department of Criminology, Malmö University, 205 06, Malmö, Sweden
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Pischke CR, Helmer SM, Pohlabeln H, Muellmann S, Schneider S, Reintjes R, Schmidt-Pokrzywniak A, Girbig M, Krämer A, Icks A, Walter U, Zeeb H. Effects of a Brief Web-Based "Social Norms"-Intervention on Alcohol, Tobacco and Cannabis Use Among German University Students: Results of a Cluster-Controlled Trial Conducted at Eight Universities. Front Public Health 2021; 9:659875. [PMID: 34055723 PMCID: PMC8160121 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.659875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: "Social norms" (SN)-interventions are aimed at changing existing misperceptions regarding peer substance use by providing feedback on actual norms, thereby affecting personal substance use. It is unknown whether SN-intervention effects previously demonstrated in US students can be replicated in German students. The aim of the INSIST-study was to examine the effects of a web-based SN-intervention on substance use. Design: Cluster-controlled trial. Setting: Eight Universities in Germany. Participants and Measurements: Students were recruited at four intervention vs. four delayed intervention control Universities. 4,463 students completed baseline, 1,255 students (59% female) completed both baseline and 5-months follow-up web-based surveys on personal and perceived peer substance use. Intervention participants received feedback contrasting personal and perceived peer use with previously assessed use and perceptions of same-sex, same-university peers. Intervention effects were assessed via multivariable mixed logistic regression models. Findings: Relative to controls, reception of SN-feedback was associated with higher odds for decreased alcohol use (OR: 1.91, 95% CI 1.42-2.56). This effect was most pronounced in students overestimating peer use at baseline and under or accurately estimating it at follow-up (OR: 6.28, 95% CI 2.00-19.8). The OR was 1.33 (95% CI 0.67-2.65) for decreased cannabis use in students at intervention Universities and was statistically significant at 1.70 (95% CI 1.13-2.55) when contrasting unchanged and decreased with increased use. Regarding tobacco use and episodes of drunkenness, no intervention effects were found. Conclusions: This study was the first cluster-controlled trial suggesting beneficial effects of web-based SN-intervention on alcohol and cannabis use in a large sample of German University students. Clinical Trial Registration: The trial registration number of the INSIST-study is DRKS00007635 at the "German Clinical Trials Register."
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Affiliation(s)
- C. R. Pischke
- Institute of Medical Sociology, Centre for Health and Society, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - S. M. Helmer
- Institute of Health and Nursing Science, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - H. Pohlabeln
- Department Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology - BIPS, Bremen, Germany
| | - S. Muellmann
- Department Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology - BIPS, Bremen, Germany
| | - S. Schneider
- Mannheim Institute of Public Health, Social and Preventive Medicine, Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - R. Reintjes
- Department of Health Sciences, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - M. Girbig
- Institute and Policlinic of Occupational and Social Medicine, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - A. Krämer
- Department of Health Sciences, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - A. Icks
- Institute for Health Services Research and Health Economics, Centre for Health and Society, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Institute for Health Services Research and Health Economics, German Diabetes Center, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - U. Walter
- Institute for Epidemiology, Social Medicine and Health Systems Research, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - H. Zeeb
- Department Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology - BIPS, Bremen, Germany
- Faculty 11 Human and Health Sciences, University of Bremen, Health Sciences, Bremen, Germany
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Prosser T, Gee KA, Jones F. A meta-analysis of effectiveness of E-interventions to reduce alcohol consumption in college and university students. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2018; 66:292-301. [PMID: 29452058 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2018.1440579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness and moderators of E-Interventions versus assessment only (AO) controls in the reduction of alcoholic drinks per week (DPW) in university students. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Cochrane library, CINAEL, ERIC, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Web of Science were searched up to June 2017. Studies were included if they were: an RCT, assessed the effectiveness of E-Interventions at reducing DPW, and employed university/college students. 23 studies (N = 7,614) were included and quality was assessed using the JADAD scale. RESULTS Weighted mean effect sizes were calculated using random-effects models. These showed a small, significant effect of E-Interventions at reducing the number of alcoholic DPW. Moderator analysis found a significant advantage for web-based personalised feedback interventions compared to other E-Interventions. CONCLUSIONS E-Interventions show a small, significant effect at reducing mean alcoholic DPW. Personalised feedback E-Interventions showed the strongest effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Prosser
- a Canterbury Christ Church University, School of Psychology , Canterbury , UK
| | - Kate Ann Gee
- a Canterbury Christ Church University, School of Psychology , Canterbury , UK
| | - Fergal Jones
- b Canterbury Christ Church University, Salomons Centre for Applied Psychology , Tunbridge Wells , UK
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Montes KS, Witkiewitz K, Andersson C, Fossos-Wong N, Pace T, Berglund M, Larimer ME. Trajectories of positive alcohol expectancies and drinking: An examination of young adults in the US and Sweden. Addict Behav 2017; 73:74-80. [PMID: 28499258 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2017.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Revised: 04/10/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Positive alcohol expectancies and alcohol use tend to increase from adolescence to young adulthood, yet little is known about the associations between these constructs across cultures. The current study adds to the extant literature by examining the growth trajectories of positive alcohol expectancies and drinking behavior among United States (US) and Swedish participants during a critical period where significant change in these outcomes may be expected to occur. A total of 870 (US, N=362; Sweden, N=508) high school seniors completed baseline, 6-month, and 12-month assessments of alcohol expectancies and drinking (i.e., drinks per week). Changes in positive alcohol expectancies and drinking behavior were examined using a parallel process latent growth model. In both samples, higher baseline levels of positive alcohol expectancies were associated with a higher number of drinks consumed per week at baseline. In the US sample, lower baseline levels of positive alcohol expectancies were associated with a greater increase in positive alcohol expectancies at 12-month follow-up, and lower baseline levels of drinks per week were associated with a greater increase in drinks consumed per week at 12-month follow-up. In the Swedish sample, an increase in positive alcohol expectancies over time was associated with an increase in drinks consumed per week over the same period of time. Additional research is needed to examine when and for whom expectancy-based alcohol interventions are most efficacious.
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Bamberger PA, Koopmann J, Wang M, Larimer M, Nahum-Shani I, Geisner I, Bacharach SB. Does college alcohol consumption impact employment upon graduation? Findings from a prospective study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 103:111-121. [PMID: 28836800 DOI: 10.1037/apl0000244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
[Correction Notice: An Erratum for this article was reported in Vol 103(1) of Journal of Applied Psychology (see record 2017-44578-001). In the article, the authors incorrectly used the term "probability" instead of the term "odds" when relating to the impact of drinking in college on post-graduation employment. The abstract should note "a roughly 10% reduction in the odds...", and in the 2nd paragraph of the Discussion section, (a) "a roughly 10% lower probability" should be "a roughly 10% lower odds", and (b) "their probability of full-time employment upon graduation is roughly 6% lower than..." should be "their odds of full-time employment upon graduation is roughly 6% lower than..." All versions of this article have been corrected.] Although scholars have extensively studied the impact of academic and vocational factors on college students' employment upon graduation, we still know little as to how students' health-related behaviors influence such outcomes. Focusing on student alcohol use as a widely prevalent, health-related behavior, in the current study, we examined the employment implications of student drinking behavior. Drawing from literature examining the productivity effects of drinking and research on job search, we posited that modal quantity and frequency of alcohol consumption, as well as the frequency of heavy episodic drinking (HED) adversely impact the probability of employment upon graduation. Using data from 827 graduating seniors from 4 geographically diverse universities in the United States collected in the context of a prospective study design, we found modal alcohol consumption to have no adverse effect on the likelihood of employment upon graduation. However, we did find a significant adverse effect for the frequency of heavy drinking, with the data suggesting a roughly 10% reduction in the odds of employment upon graduation among college seniors who reported engaging in the average level of HED. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mo Wang
- Warrington College of Business, University of Florida
| | - Mary Larimer
- Center for the Study of Health and Risk Behaviors, University of Washington
| | | | - Irene Geisner
- Center for the Study of Health and Risk Behaviors, University of Washington
| | - Samuel B Bacharach
- Department of Organizational Behavior and Smithers Institute, Cornell University
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Hart E, Burns S. The relationship between alcohol consumption and related harm among young university students. Health Promot J Austr 2017; 27:15-20. [PMID: 26827614 DOI: 10.1071/he15086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2015] [Accepted: 11/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Issue addressed Research has shown that Australian university students consume alcohol at a higher level than their peers from the general population and are therefore more likely to witness and experience alcohol-related harm. This study measured the prevalence of alcohol consumption among 18-24-year-old university students and the association between alcohol consumption and witnessed and experienced harms. Methods A random cross-sectional sample of university students aged 18-24 years (n=2466) was recruited via the University Survey Office and through random intercept at campus market day. All participants completed an online survey that included the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, Alcohol Problems Scale and an additional scale measuring witnessed harm. Results Principal Components Analysis revealed three factors within the Alcohol Problems Scale; i.e. Criminal and Aggressive Behaviour, Health and Emotional Harms and Sexual Harms. Students who consume alcohol at high-risk levels were significantly more likely to score highly on each factor, 1.6 times more likely to experience harm and 1.1 times more likely to witness harm than students who consume alcohol at low-risk levels. Conclusions The positive association between alcohol consumption and alcohol-related harm supports previous findings. This study adds previous research through the categorisation of harm into factors. So what? Integrated and comprehensive interventions addressing alcohol consumption among young university students that are informed by evidence-based research can be tailored to ensure that they meet the needs of the target group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Hart
- Collaboration for Evidence, Research, and Impact in Public Health, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA 6845, Australia
| | - Sharyn Burns
- Collaboration for Evidence, Research, and Impact in Public Health, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA 6845, Australia
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Kisic-Tepavcevic D, Gazibara T, Popovic A, Trajkovic G, Pekmezovic T. The impact of alcohol on health-related quality of life in Belgrade University students. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2014; 39:130-5. [PMID: 23421572 DOI: 10.3109/00952990.2012.746348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess alcohol drinking patterns and its influence on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among the Belgrade University students. METHODS Between April and June, 2009, 1624 students were enrolled in the cross-sectional study. All participants in the study completed the questionnaire that comprised demographic data, as well as information referring to education, social status, lifetime residence, and habits. HRQoL was assessed by using SF-36 questionnaire and general depressive status by Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). RESULTS The occurrence of getting drunk on a yearly level had a statistically significant correlation with both SF-36 composite scores (ρ = -.048, p = .049 for Physical Composite Score (PCS), ρ = -.053, p = .038 for Mental Composite Score (MCS)) and the total score (ρ= -.057, p = .025). Those who were never getting drunk had statistically significantly higher scores for Social functioning and Mental health SF-36 as well as for MCS compared to students who were getting drunk on monthly and weekly basis. After adjustment for multiple testing, Social functioning domain and MCS remained statistically significant. The final models of hierarchical regression analysis demonstrated that gender, place of residence during high schooling, type of faculty, depression, chronic conditions, and alcohol consumption accounted 15.2% of the variance in PCS and 17.7% of the variance in MCS. CONCLUSION Information regarding drinking patterns and its influence on HRQoL in the Belgrade University students can help public health professionals, university administration, and local health care providers in developing appropriate prevention and treatment strategies.
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Dale RA, Hasselberg M, Petzold M, Hensing G. Alcohol environment, gender and nonfatal injuries in young people. An ecological study of fourteen Swedish municipalities (2000–2005). Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2012; 7:36. [PMID: 22908846 PMCID: PMC3489536 DOI: 10.1186/1747-597x-7-36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2012] [Accepted: 08/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sweden has had a restrictive alcohol policy, but there are gender and geographical differences in alcohol consumption and injury rates within the country. Whether and how the Swedish alcohol environment influences gender differences in injuries in young people is still unclear. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyse the associations between the local alcohol environment and age- and gender-specific nonfatal injury rates in people up to 24 years in Sweden. Methods The local alcohol environment from 14 municipalities was studied using indicators of alcohol access, alcohol consumption and alcohol-related crimes. A comprehensive health care register of nonfatal injuries was used to estimate mean annual rates of nonfatal injuries by gender and age group (2000–2005). Pearson’s correlation coefficients were used to analyse linear associations. Results Associations were shown for both alcohol access and alcohol consumption with injury rates in boys aged 13–17 years; no other associations were observed between alcohol access or per capita alcohol consumption and nonfatal childhood injuries. The prevalence of crimes against alcohol laws was associated with injury rates in children of both genders aged 6–17 years. Conclusions This study found no strong area-level associations between alcohol and age and gender specific nonfatal injuries in young people. Further, the strength of the area-level associations varied by age, gender and type of indicator used to study the local alcohol environment.
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Ståhlbrandt H, Leifman A, Johnsson KO, Berglund M. Alcohol trajectories over three years in a Swedish residence hall student population. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2010; 7:1432-47. [PMID: 20617038 PMCID: PMC2872351 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph7041432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2010] [Revised: 02/09/2010] [Accepted: 03/10/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Although it is known that college students have a high alcohol consumption, less is known about the long-term drinking trajectories amongst college students and, in particular, students living in residence halls, known to be high-risk drinkers. Over four consecutive years, the drinking habits of 556 Swedish residence hall students were analyzed. The main instruments for measuring outcome were AUDIT (Alcohol Use Identification Disorders Test), SIP (Short Index of Problems) and eBAC (estimated Blood Alcohol Concentration). The drinking trajectories among Swedish residence hall students showed stable and decreasing drinking patterns, with age and gender being predictors of group membership.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henriettae Ståhlbrandt
- Clinical Alcohol Research, Entrance 108, UMAS, SE-205 02 MALMÖ, Sweden; E-Mails:
(K.O.J.);
(M.B.)
| | - Anders Leifman
- Karolinska Institute, Department of Public Health Sciences and Centre for Alcohol and Drug Prevention, Novum, SE-141 57 HUDDINGE, Sweden; E-Mail:
| | - Kent O. Johnsson
- Clinical Alcohol Research, Entrance 108, UMAS, SE-205 02 MALMÖ, Sweden; E-Mails:
(K.O.J.);
(M.B.)
| | - Mats Berglund
- Clinical Alcohol Research, Entrance 108, UMAS, SE-205 02 MALMÖ, Sweden; E-Mails:
(K.O.J.);
(M.B.)
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Stress and hazardous alcohol use: Associations with early dropout from university. Scand J Public Health 2009; 37:713-9. [DOI: 10.1177/1403494809344359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background: The transition to studying at university is associated with increased levels of both stress and hazardous alcohol use. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of these factors on first-year dropout from university studies. Methods: Two complete cohorts of university freshmen at two homogeneous universities, one in the north and one in the south of Sweden, were asked to participate in an intervention study. Participants responded to a baseline questionnaire including measures of stress and alcohol use. Official university records showing dropout over 12 months were collected. Results: A multivariate analysis established that high stress and admission to the northern university were associated with dropout from university studies, while symptoms of depression and anxiety as well as hazardous drinking were not. Conclusions: There is a need to address the issue of stress associated with the start of university studies. It seems important to offer stress-reducing interventions, specifically aimed at reducing transitional stress, as soon as students start university.
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Keller A, Frye L, Bauerle J, Turner JC. Legal Ages for Purchase and Consumption of Alcohol and Heavy Drinking Among College Students in Canada, Europe, and the United States. Subst Abus 2009; 30:248-52. [DOI: 10.1080/08897070903041228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Andersson A, Wiréhn AB, Olvander C, Ekman DS, Bendtsen P. Alcohol use among university students in Sweden measured by an electronic screening instrument. BMC Public Health 2009; 9:229. [PMID: 19594906 PMCID: PMC2724514 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-9-229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2009] [Accepted: 07/13/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Electronic-based alcohol screening and brief interventions for university students with problem drinking behaviours forms an important means by which to identify risky drinkers. Methods In this study an e-SBI project was implemented to assess drinking patterns, and to provide personalised feedback about alcohol consumption and related health problems, to students in a Swedish university. In this study, third semester university students (n = 2858) from all faculties (colleges) at the University were invited to participate in e-SBI screenings. This study employed a randomised controlled trial, with respondents having a equal chance of being assigned to a limited, or full-feedback response. Results The study shows that high risk drinkers tend to underestimate their own consumption compared to others, and that these high risk drinkers experience more negative consequences after alcohol intake, than other respondents. There was a strong belief, for both high- and low-risk drinkers, that alcohol helped celebrations be more festive. This study also confirms findings from other study locations that while males drank more than females in our study population; females reached the same peak alcohol blood concentrations as males. Conclusion Obtaining clear and current information on drinking patterns demonstrated by university students can help public health officials, university administration, and local health care providers develop appropriate prevention and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agneta Andersson
- Division of Social Medicine and Public Health Science, Department of Medical and Health Sciences (IMH), Linköping University, SE-581 83, Linköping, Sweden.
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