COLLEGE STUDENT DRINKING PATTERNS OVER TIME: 1974-1983

Abstract

The PURPOSE of this study was to determine if there had been changes in drinking patterns and problems related to alcohol over time in relationship to demographic variables which have been shown to have an association with alcohol use and abuse. METHODS: A survey of 6115 college students from every contiguous state was conducted during the 1982-3 academic year. A sub-sample of the same, or equivalent colleges, found in Engs’ 1974 study was compared. For the study the 1981 version of the Student Alcohol Questionnaire was used. The RESULTS revealed that virtually the same percentage of students drinking (79.4% and 78.6%) and a significant (p < .05) increase in heavy drinking (11.6% and 16.9%) was found. Compared to the 1974 sample, a significant increase in problems related to drinking of such as “hangovers," "drinking while driving," and "missing class because of hangovers" was found (p < .05). There was no significant increase among men, blacks (of either sex), or class levels in consuming alcohol at least once a year, heavy drinking (consuming 6 or more drinks at any one sitting) or problems related to drinking between the two time periods. However, there was a significant increase among women, and in particular white women, for heavy drinking and problems related to drinking. It is RECOMMENDED that more educational efforts be aimed at women concerning alcohol.