IS THERE AN ASSOCIATION OF HEAVY DRINKING WITH ACUTE ILLNESS AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS IF SMOKING STATUS IS CONTROLLED?

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Smoking has been shown to be associated with a higher incidence of chronic diseases among older adults and acute illnesses among young adults. Heavy alcohol intake has been found to be associated with a higher incidence of chronic and acute diseases among older alcoholics PURPOSE: the purpose of the study was to determine if there was an association of acute illness and alcohol intake among a sample of college students if smoking is controlled. METHODS: The Health and Lifestyle Questionnaire was administered to a sample of 1,281 students in the 1991-1992 academic year to personal health classes at a large mid-western university. The questionnaire contains items concerning drinking, smoking, drug use, and lifestyle questions such as exercise, diet, etc. along with acute illnesses such as upper respiratory infections, gastro-intestinal and STDs. RESULTS: Although there was an association between smoking and drinking levels, there was no significant effect from smoking in terms of acute health problems. In addition, no increase in acute health issues or upper respiratory infections were found with students who consumed between one and 21 drinks per week. However, students drinking 28 or more alcoholic drinks per week had significantly more health problems; those drinking more than 22 drinks per week had more upper respiratory infections compared to the other students including nondrinkers. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that excessive alcohol intake alone increased the risk of respiratory infections and acute illnesses in this sample of college students, but more moderate alcohol consumption had little effect on the risk for these health problems.