Wine Information Council
2011
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Alcohol consumption among university students in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany–results from a multicenter cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE: To assess alcohol use and problem drinking among university students in the German Federal State of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) and to examine the associated factors.

METHOD: A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted in 16 universities in 2006-2007 in NRW by a standardized questionnaire and 3,306 students provided information (response rate of 88%). Problem drinking was measured by the CAGE questionnaire.

RESULTS: Alcohol consumption in the last 3 months was reported by >90 % of students. About 80% reported heavy drinking, and 20% displayed problem drinking. Male students, students living in residence halls, and students from sport faculties had a higher risk of heavy drinking and problem drinking. When students were compared across study years, frequency of heavy drinking decreased with higher semesters.

CONCLUSIONS: Overall, heavy drinking and problem drinking are common among university students in this sample. Intervention programs should be designed for students at a particularly high risk.

Additional Info

  • Authors

    Akmatov M.K.; Mikolajczyk R.T.; Meier S.; Kramer A.

  • Issue

    J.Am.Coll.Health / pages 620-626 / volume 59

  • Published Date

    2011

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