Alcohol consumption habits and their impact on academic performance: analysis of ethanol patterns among health students. A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Studies have indicated a substantial increase in alcohol consumption among university students. Specifically, abusive consumption among health students can adversely affect their academic training and future professional practice.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to analyze alcohol consumption habits among healthcare students and investigate the associations between alcohol consumption patterns and sociodemographic and academic variables.

DESIGN AND SETTING

We performed this cross-sectional study at a private university located in the city of Salvador, Bahia.

METHODS

We conducted this study with 770 students using a printed, self-administered, anonymous questionnaire containing sociodemographic and academic performance data, as well as the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and Rutgers Alcohol Problems Inventory (RAPI).

RESULTS

We observed that the prevalence of alcohol consumption (65.1%) and binge drinking (57.5%) among Brazilian healthcare students was high, with more frequent consumption among men (73.1%), in medicine (83.0%) and veterinary medicine (79.1%) programs and in semesters beyond the fourth (71.7%). We found associations between drinking habits and sex (P = 0.016), religion (P < 0.000), course (P < 0.000) and semester (P = 0.047). Binge drinking was associated with attending academic activities without getting any sleep (P < 0.000), missing classes due to hangovers (P < 0.000), encountering issues with the institution's administration (P = 0.028), and failing to complete activities due to alcohol consumption (P < 0.000).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of alcohol consumption and binge drinking among Brazilian healthcare students was high and associated with sex, religion, course, academic semester, risky behaviors, and negative academic impacts.