Trends in alcohol consumption among undergraduate students at a northeastern public university, 2002-2008.

OBJECTIVE

This study examined alcohol consumption patterns and trends at a public university in the Northeast from 2002 to 2008.

PARTICIPANTS

Stratified random sampling was used to select undergraduate students enrolled in courses during spring semesters in 2002, 2004, 2006, and 2008.

METHODS

Data were collected during regularly scheduled classes for 4 measures of alcohol consumption and 5 demographic categories using the Core Alcohol and Drug Survey.

RESULTS

Four groups showed significant increases in both frequency and volume of alcohol consumption-students who were female, over 21 years of age or over, living off-campus, or performing well academically. There were no decreasing trends for any demographic group. These results differ from national college health surveys, which have shown alcohol use remaining steady during this period.

CONCLUSIONS

Campus-specific trend data can provide unique perspectives and guide programming efforts. These trends suggest a need for new intervention strategies on this campus.