Abstract
BackgroundElectronic-based alcohol screening and brief interventions for university students with problem drinking behaviours forms an important means by which to identify risky drinkers.MethodsIn this study an e-SBI project was implemented to assess drinking patterns, and to provide personalised feedback about alcohol consumption and related health problems, to students in a Swedish university. In this study, third semester university students (n = 2858) from all faculties (colleges) at the University were invited to participate in e-SBI screenings. This study employed a randomised controlled trial, with respondents having a equal chance of being assigned to a limited, or full-feedback response.ResultsThe study shows that high risk drinkers tend to underestimate their own consumption compared to others, and that these high risk drinkers experience more negative consequences after alcohol intake, than other respondents. There was a strong belief, for both high- and low-risk drinkers, that alcohol helped celebrations be more festive. This study also confirms findings from other study locations that while males drank more than females in our study population; females reached the same peak alcohol blood concentrations as males.ConclusionObtaining clear and current information on drinking patterns demonstrated by university students can help public health officials, university administration, and local health care providers develop appropriate prevention and treatment strategies.
Highlights
Electronic-based alcohol screening and brief interventions for university students with problem drinking behaviours forms an important means by which to identify risky drinkers
Electronic-based alcohol screening and brief interventions for university students with problem drinking behaviours Screening for alcohol intake in university student populations is an important first step to identify risky drinkers, and institute more effective services for this group, as university students represent a group at high risk for excessive alcohol consumption
This increased consumption may already be present with students arrive at university: a study of Swedish freshmen studying in Luleå and Växjö found a generally high level of alcohol consumption in this group [5,3] surveyed the drinking patterns of 359 freshmen in Lund and found that student consumption patterns could roughly be divided into four categories-steady and high consumption, increasing consumption over time, decreasing consumption over time, and steady consumption
Summary
Electronic-based alcohol screening and brief interventions for university students with problem drinking behaviours forms an important means by which to identify risky drinkers. Electronic-based alcohol screening and brief interventions for university students with problem drinking behaviours Screening for alcohol intake in university student populations is an important first step to identify risky drinkers, and institute more effective services for this group, as university students represent a group at high risk for excessive alcohol consumption. Several recent studies have assessed the drinking patterns of Swedish university students and found that the consumption patterns by some university students in this country are at levels that are likely to cause problems, with health, but with academic performance. While 60% of students could be considered steady consumers, about 25% of the population fell into steady and high, or increasing consumption patterns over time This pattern is similar to those seen in other university settings in Sweden and the US, according to the authors. Though, the study found that the overall pattern of relationships between alcohol intake and predictors was comparable in both groups, suggesting that findings in similar studies could be generalisable
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