Pattern of alcoholic beverage consumption and academic performance among college students

Abstract

Background: Alcoholic beverages are widely available in the university environment, particularly at the parties. There are few studies addressing the relationship between alcohol consumption and academic performance among college students. Objective: This study evaluated the behavior of college students regarding the profile of alcohol consumption and its academic consequences. Methods: The volunteers (343 students) answered a questionnaire about their pattern of alcohol consumption and possible related behaviors, especially academic performance. Participants were classified as non-drinkers (ND), non-binge drinkers (nBD), binge drinkers (BD) and heavy drinkers (HD). Results: 88.1% of the students reported ingesting alcoholic beverages, 44% as BD. Most of the drinker students (75.5% - nBD, BD or HD) stated getting intoxicated at least once a month. Binge drinking was the predominant pattern (66.2% of those who drank). HD students presented a risk 9.2 times higher of not being in the ideal period of the course. Discussion: The college students evaluated presented high rates of alcohol abuse. Binge drinking might have interfered in their academic performance. Organic, social and behavioral consequences were also reported.