ALCOHOL KNOWLEDGE AMONG COLLEGIANS: 1983-1985

Abstract

Thus PURPOSE of this study was to examine the demographic variables in relation to the knowledge of alcohol among a sample of college students throughout the United States to determine possible changes. METHODS: Student were administered the Student Alcohol Questionnaire. This is a highly reliable questionnaire (r=.79) which contains 36 questions on alcohol and its effects. The sample was collected during the 1983-4 academic year to students at 72 of the 82 colleges that had participated in a similar study conducted in 1982-3. A sub-sample was drawn containing the same universities and colleges which had participated l982-83 for comparison. RESULTS revealed that with the exception of females, the demographic composition closely approximated that of students attending four year intuitions of higher learning in the United States. Of 36 possible correct answers, between the two time periods, a significant difference in mean score of 20.9 for the 1983 group and 21.3 for the 1984-5 was found (P< .01). Significant differences in scores between the two time periods were also found for males, whites, juniors and Roman Catholics. No differences were found with other demographic variables. It is RECOMMENDED that educators, as part of their baseline data collection of drinking patterns, also include a knowledge scale. A change in levels of knowledge could be used as an indicator of effectiveness of their campus alcohol awareness programs.